Two hostel canteens at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) campus in Powai were ordered to shut down after an inspection by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that the establishments were operating without valid food licences or registrations.
The action was taken on Thursday following a complaint received by the FDA regarding the two hostel messes. During the inspection, officials found that neither establishment had the mandatory food licence or registration required under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
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The FDA said the two food establishments were subsequently instructed to stop their operations for failing to comply with statutory food safety requirements.
“Pursuant to the complaint received by the office, two hostel messes at IIT Bombay, Powai were investigated,” the FDA said. The department added that both locations were found to be operating without valid food licences or registrations and were therefore directed to close their food businesses.
In a separate action, the Maharashtra FDA suspended the food business licence of Eat Nino, also known as Nino’s Burger, in Dadar after officials found several violations related to hygiene and sanitation.
During an inspection of the outlet, authorities reportedly found insect infestation and poor personal hygiene among food handlers. Officials also flagged inadequate cleaning and disinfection practices at the establishment.
The inspection further revealed that the outlet had failed to conduct mandatory testing of food and drinking water. The FDA also found that the establishment did not maintain required FOSTAC training and medical records for its food handlers.
In addition, the outlet was found to have failed to implement Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), which are intended to ensure safe food handling, preparation and storage.
Following the findings, the FDA suspended the food business licence of the Dadar outlet, citing violations of food safety regulations.
The two separate actions highlight the Maharashtra FDA’s enforcement of food safety rules covering both institutional food establishments and commercial eateries. While the IIT Bombay hostel canteens were ordered to close over the absence of mandatory licences or registrations, the Dadar restaurant faced licence suspension over multiple hygiene and sanitation-related violations.
Food establishments operating in Maharashtra are required to comply with applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, including obtaining the necessary licence or registration and following prescribed hygiene and food-handling standards.
The latest action comes amid continued efforts by food safety authorities to ensure that establishments serving food to the public meet mandatory regulatory requirements.
