FDA suspends licence of Cafe Cadell in Shivaji Park over cross-contamination, hygiene lapses

MUMBAI: Dirty cutlery and even food handlers with unsatisfactory nails and clothes- these were among the findings that prompted the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to suspend the licence of Cafe Cadell in Shivaji Park

MUMBAI: Dirty cutlery and even food handlers with unsatisfactory nails and clothes- these were among the findings that prompted the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to suspend the licence of Cafe Cadell in Shivaji Park.

An FDA inspection found that vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was not being adequately segregated, raising the risk of cross-contamination. The kitchen also had inadequate ventilation, insufficient pest-control measures, unsuitable food-contact equipment, and slippery, non-compliant flooring.

The deficiencies extended to basic hygiene practices. Equipment sanitisation, cleaning schedules, service utensils and food portioning practices were found wanting, while cutlery and crockery used for serving had not been sanitised properly.

The establishment also lacked adequate handwashing and personal-hygiene facilities for its staff. The nails and clothes of food-handling staffers were found to be unsatisfactory. Officials further found that necessary records for food and drinking-water testing were not available.

The FDA also suspended the licence of China Town Fast Food Centre in Mulund East after finding excessive use of artificial colour and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Its cooking oil had darkened and become highly oxidised due to repeated use, while the kitchen and food-storage areas had an active cockroach and insect infestation.

The FDA said the same preparation areas, cutting boards and cooking equipment were being used for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, creating a potential cross-contamination risk. Poor drainage, stagnant wastewater, slime, foul odour and generally unhygienic conditions were also reported.

Action was also taken against a mid-day meal/canteen food service in Kurla, where Sankalp Mahila Audyogik Utpadak Sahakari Society Limited was found to have an unclean food-preparation area, with grease and dirt, as well as stains on walls, the roof and other areas. Damaged flooring, stagnant water and inadequate housekeeping were also found.

During its August 21 inspection, the FDA team found rusted food-storage racks, unclean and damaged food-contact equipment, insufficient pest-exclusion measures and inadequate handwashing facilities. There were also no records demonstrating periodic drinking-water testing.

The findings were particularly concerning as the establishment was preparing food for school-related or community meal programmes, where food hygiene and safety standards are especially important, the FDA said.

Another outlet in Mahim, operated by Lenexis Foodworks Pvt Ltd, also came under FDA action for significant sanitation and infrastructure deficiencies. Officials found inadequate ventilation, heavy grease and oil deposits on the exhaust system and kitchen hood filters, and accumulated water and dirt on the floor. Structural deficiencies that could allow pests to enter were also identified.

The FDA also found inadequate drinking-water testing records, unsuitable or poorly maintained food containers, insufficient temperature-monitoring equipment and inadequate facilities for employee handwashing and personal hygiene. According to the FDA, these conditions could increase the risks of contamination, pest infestation and cross-contamination.

The action was taken as part of the FDA’s “Safe Food for Every School Child in Maharashtra” initiative. Between July 28 and August 21, the department inspected 250 schools, following which it suspended the licences of 11 food businesses, cancelled the registrations of four outlets and issued stop-business notices to two establishments.

The campaign also included 98 awareness and training workshops involving more than 22,433 schools and 25,108 teachers across Maharashtra.

HT reached out to the eateries but they did not respond till the time of going to press.