Maharashtra FDA suspends licenses of Radio Club, McDonald's over food safety breaches

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the food business licenses of the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and a McDonald's restaurant in south Mumbai on Friday, along with 11 other establishments across the state. The action was taken following inspections that revealed significant breaches of food safety regulations and hygiene norms.

The crackdown comes as part of a broader enforcement campaign launched by newly-appointed FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, an IAS officer who took charge in May. During a special inspection drive, the FDA surveyed 89 hotels, restaurants and dhabas across Maharashtra and issued improvement notices to 71 establishments while suspending licenses at 13 locations.

The Radio Club, inspected on August 19, recorded a non-compliance rate of 47 percent and was ordered to halt all food purchase, sale and distribution activities during the suspension period. Inspectors documented numerous food safety violations at the establishment, including the presence of live insects and evidence of inadequate sanitation practices.

The FDA's intensified enforcement has drawn public attention to food safety standards across Maharashtra's hospitality sector. Suspended establishments have been directed to remediate violations and apply for license reinstatement once they demonstrate full compliance with state food safety regulations.