The Maharashtra FDA has suspended the food licence of a Blink Commerce facility in Mumbai over extensive "cockroach infestation" and improper item storage, while an outlet of Reliance Retail is under the lens after live larvae were allegedly found in a popular sweet variety, said officials on Monday.
These violations came to light as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped up its state-wide enforcement of food safety standards under its new commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
In a statement issued to the media, the regulatory agency said it acted against Reliance Retail Ltd's outlet at ARD Cinemall in Buldhana district after receiving a complaint that live larvae were found in 'Laxmi Narayan' brand of packaged 'kaju katli' (a popular traditional Indian sweet) kept at the store.
A prompt inspection found that the complained-about batch manufactured on May 29 and due to expire on August 29, was not available at the outlet. However, another batch manufactured on July 20 and valid until October 20, was found and a food sample was collected, said the statement.
The FDA seized 54 boxes, weighing 11.340 kg and valued at Rs 10,238, from the available stock. The sample has been sent to an authorised food laboratory for analysis and further legal action will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, based on the laboratory report, it said.
In a more stringent action, the state government agency suspended the food licence of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd's establishment at Sarvodaya Bhuvan at Malad (West) in Mumbai, citing serious food safety violations.
An inspection of the facility on August 7 found extremely unhygienic conditions, extensive cockroach infestation, improper storage of food, inadequate cleanliness in the cold storage, expired and tampered packaged food and non-compliance with FIFO/FEFO (First-In, First-Out and First-Expired, First-Out) practices, said the FDA.
The food safety watchdog also found inadequate pest and rodent control, shortcomings in waste management and maintenance, absence of medical examination and health records of food handlers and lack of necessary personal hygiene and protective equipment, said the statement.
A large cockroach infestation was detected in vegetable and fruit storage areas, posing a serious risk of contamination, while expired and damaged or tampered packages were found in the cold room at the facility, it said.
The establishment's licence, bearing number 11524010000119, was suspended with immediate effect and until further orders under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act and relevant regulations, according to the FDA.
The establishment has been barred from selling, distributing or conducting food business during the suspension period, added the statement.
