FDA suspends Fortis Hospital’s kitchen licence over cockroaches, fungus-hit containers

The suspension, following an inspection of the hospital’s kitchen, comes amid a wider crackdown by the state FDA on food establishments found flouting safety and hygiene norms. The food business licence, held in the name of M/s Sodexo India Services Pvt. Ltd, which operates the kitchen as a third-party dietary service provider, has been suspended

MUMBAI: Cockroaches in the food preparation area, food waste clogging the drainage, fungus-infested containers used to transport meals and rusted knives in use — these were among the food safety violations that led the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to suspend the licence of the kitchen at Fortis Hospital in Mulund on Friday.

FDA suspends Fortis Hospital’s kitchen licence over cockroaches, fungus-hit containers

The suspension, following an inspection of the hospital’s kitchen, comes amid a wider crackdown by the state FDA on food establishments found flouting safety and hygiene norms. The food business licence, held in the name of M/s Sodexo India Services Pvt. Ltd, which operates the kitchen as a third-party dietary service provider, has been suspended.

In a statement, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said patient safety, quality of care and hygiene remained paramount. “We have taken note of the communication from the FDA concerning the on-premise kitchen operated by our third-party dietary service provider, which holds the relevant food business licence. We take the observations raised by the FDA seriously and have directed the service provider to promptly address them and ensure compliance with all applicable food safety requirements,” the hospital said.

The FDA also suspended the licence of the canteen at Sophia College for Women on Bhulabhai Desai Road in south Mumbai over similar violations.

The college said it had acted immediately after the inspection. “The college responded promptly and suspended the canteen contractor’s services immediately. This took place today and necessary modifications and improvements are being undertaken right away. The college consistently prioritizes the wellbeing of its students above all else,” said Anagha Tendulkar Patil, principal of Sophia College for Women.

Five other food establishments in Mumbai also faced licence suspensions over alleged food safety violations. These include M/s Mumbai Bites in Girgaum, Arihant Aahar-Onyx in Ghatkopar, Avenue E-Commerce Ltd in Sion, Janata Bakery in Jogeshwari and PSN Supply Chain Solutions Pvt Ltd in Dahisar.

The Onyx outlet came under the FDA’s scanner following a complaint alleging the unauthorised use of artificial food colours in its sweets.

In a separate action, the FDA ordered the closure of Manmandir Sweets in Borivali after finding that sweets were being manufactured at a location different from the address mentioned on its registration certificate. The manufacturing premises were reportedly infested with flies and had unclean utensils. Officials also found that staff members were living at the premises and did not possess medical certificates.

Crackdown widens across Maharashtra

The action in Mumbai was part of a broader state-wide drive against food safety violations. The FDA suspended the licences of 25 food establishments, including hotels, restaurants and bakeries. The licences of four edible oil and spice manufacturing units were also suspended.

In Mumbai’s Kandivali East, officials seized 130 kg of potato and banana wafers, garlic shev, sing bhujia and Schezwan sticks, collectively valued at ₹22,045, from Shree Sadguru Foods in Hanuman Nagar.

At Shri Ganesh Farsan and Sweet Mart in Kandivali West, around 3 kg of jalebi and Maharaja halwa, worth ₹3,150, were destroyed over allegations of the use of banned food colours. Samples of the seized food products have been sent to a laboratory for analysis, with further action to follow based on the findings.

The FDA also seized banned food products worth ₹18.83 lakh and two vehicles. The action resulted in 10 FIRs, the arrest of 10 accused and the sealing of four establishments.

The enforcement drive gathered further momentum after the FDA announced action against spice powders a day earlier. Officials subsequently seized approximately 81,330 kg of stock worth ₹1.73 crore, including edible oil, chilli and turmeric powders, supari (areca nut), dry fruits, sabudana, bhagar (barnyard millet), rajgira, tea powder and sweets.