Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of three ISKCON restaurants over food safety violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of three ISKCON-run restaurants after inspections allegedly found several food safety, hygiene and sanitation violations.

The action comes after inspections of the restaurants, including Govinda's Restaurant at ISKCON Juhu, where officials reportedly found multiple lapses related to food handling, storage, pest control, drainage and the health records of food handlers.

According to the FDA, an inspection at the ISKCON Juhu restaurant on September 3 found an open rear entrance to the kitchen without adequate pest-control measures. Inspectors also flagged inadequate lighting, clogged drains and the presence of food waste, raising concerns over the overall hygiene of the premises.

Lapses in food safety and testing

The FDA said the restaurant also had shortcomings in food and drinking-water testing, along with inadequate documentation relating to food safety procedures.

Officials reportedly found issues with food storage practices and personal hygiene among food handlers. The inspection also pointed to irregularities in the medical examination and vaccination records of employees handling food.

The FDA has taken the violations seriously, citing the potential food safety risks associated with inadequate hygiene, pest control and monitoring of food preparation areas.

ISKCON Govinda's Restaurant licence suspended

At ISKCON Govinda's Restaurant, inspectors reportedly identified lapses in food and drinking-water testing, pest-control measures and drainage arrangements.

The restaurant's licence was suspended with immediate effect, according to the FDA action.

The inspections were conducted as part of the food safety regulator's efforts to ensure that food establishments comply with hygiene, sanitation and food safety requirements.

Three restaurants face action

The FDA's action covers three ISKCON restaurants in Maharashtra. The inspections reportedly highlighted shortcomings across several areas, including sanitation, pest control, food and water testing, storage, documentation and the medical fitness records of food handlers.

The suspension means the affected establishments cannot continue operations under the suspended licences until the regulatory concerns are addressed and the required compliance is established.

The development has put the spotlight on hygiene and food safety standards at large food establishments, with authorities expected to continue inspections to ensure compliance with prescribed regulations.