Mumbai, September 9: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of three establishments operated by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) at Hare Krishna Land in Juhu, Mumbai, following inspections that reportedly found multiple violations of food safety and hygiene norms.
The inspections were conducted on September 3, while the suspension orders were issued on September 7 after officials reviewed the inspection reports and photographs.
According to the FDA, one of the establishments was found to have inadequate records of periodic testing of water used for food production, deficiencies in raw-material inspection and improper temperature and humidity conditions for storing raw and prepared food.
Inspectors also reported that food and non-food items were stored in a manner that could lead to cross-contamination. Pest infestation, inadequate cleaning and a lack of calibration of measuring and monitoring equipment were also among the deficiencies noted.
The food-service restaurant at ISKCON Juhu was reportedly found with an open rear kitchen entrance without adequate measures to prevent the entry of pests. Officials also flagged inadequate laboratory testing, poor lighting, shortcomings in raw-material inspection and cleaning, clogged drains containing food waste and pest droppings, as well as deficiencies in medical examination, vaccination and training records of food handlers.
Govinda’s Restaurant Licence Suspended
The third establishment, ISKCON Govindas Restaurant, was found to have deficiencies in food testing, drinking-water testing, raw-material inspection and segregation, cleaning, drainage, pest control and equipment calibration.
The FDA also cited shortcomings related to food-handler hygiene and training. Its licence was suspended with immediate effect on September 7, according to the official release cited in the report.
The action against the three ISKCON establishments is part of a wider food-safety crackdown by the Maharashtra FDA, which has intensified inspections of restaurants, food suppliers and other establishments across the state.
The crackdown has also resulted in action against several other food businesses in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for alleged hygiene, sanitation, food storage and regulatory violations.
The FDA’s latest action comes amid increased scrutiny of food safety standards in Maharashtra, with authorities carrying out inspections and suspending licences where serious violations are detected.
