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FDA flags 19 safety violations at Mumbai’s MLA hostel canteen despite food being fresh
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Wednesday, 30 July, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
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In a recent inspection carried out by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the canteen at Mumbai’s MLA Hostel in Nariman Point was found to have 19 food safety and hygiene violations, despite the food served being fresh and safe for consumption.
Following complaints and media reports about unhygienic conditions in the government-run facility, the FDA team conducted a surprise inspection on July 25. While food samples tested from the site met the quality and freshness parameters, operational and hygiene-related non-compliances were prominently noted.
“Our team found that while the food was freshly prepared and did not pose immediate health risks, there were multiple lapses in food safety protocols, including poor storage, absence of pest control, and lack of hygiene training among staff,” said Rajesh Narvekar, FDA commissioner, Maharashtra.
Among the key violations observed were:
- Improper segregation of raw and cooked food
- Inadequate temperature control
- Absence of food handler hygiene records
- Unclean food preparation surfaces
- No pest control certification
“We have issued a notice to the canteen operator under relevant provisions of the FSS Act, 2006. They have been directed to immediately rectify the lapses and report compliance. A re-inspection will follow shortly,” added Narvekar.
From a B2B foodservice and institutional catering standpoint, the case highlights the importance of maintaining Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), even in government facilities. With increased regulatory focus, all institutional kitchens—whether private or public are expected to align with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms.
This incident serves as a reminder for industrial caterers, hospitality service providers, and government kitchen contractors to prioritise hygiene audits, invest in food safety training for staff, and ensure infrastructure compliance to avoid regulatory penalties and reputational risks.
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