Maharashtra FDA suspends EatClub outlet licence over food safety, hygiene violations
New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday suspended the food licence of an EatClub Brands outlet in Mumbai with immediate effect after an inspection uncovered multiple food safety, hygiene and operational violations.
The action, effective September 2, was taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it. The EatClub outlet involved in the action is located at Royal Palms, Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East. The suspension applies specifically to this establishment and does not cover the company’s other outlets.
EatClub operates several food brands, including Box8 and Mojo Pizza.
According to an official press note issued by the FDA, inspectors found inadequate storage arrangements for food products, packaging materials and chemicals at the outlet. The inspection also revealed poor hygiene conditions, inadequate handwashing facilities, insufficient lighting and ventilation, and gaps in pest-control measures.
The regulator said the outlet did not have adequate measures to prevent pests from entering through its rear door. Inspectors also found that raw materials were not being properly examined for potential food safety hazards or adequately cleaned before being used in food preparation.
The FDA further found that food handlers were not equipped with the required protective gear, including aprons, gloves, headgear and shoe covers. Records related to food-handler training and medical examinations of employees were also found to be inadequate.
The establishment was also found lacking a proper mechanism for handling consumer complaints and did not have the required technical personnel during the inspection, the FDA said.
In another violation, ice cream and carbonated beverages were being sold at the premises despite not being included in the establishment’s food licence. Citing concerns over consumer health, the regulator ordered the immediate suspension of the outlet’s licence.
The FDA has also suspended the food licence of Rani Diets Consultant and Service Providers, located on Kurla-Andheri Road in Jarimari, Kurla West.
An inspection of the Rani Diets premises found active rat and pest infestation. The regulator also reported dirt, grease, food residue and stagnant water in food preparation and storage areas. Damaged flooring, inadequate drainage and improper waste disposal were among the other deficiencies identified by inspectors.
–IANS
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