Mumbai Food Safety Crackdown: FDA Shuts Down 3 Eateries Over Cockroaches, Dirty Oil; Over 7,000 Kg Suspected Adulterated Oil Seized in Akola
Maharashtra FDA Crackdown
Mumbai/Akola, August 29, 2026: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its crackdown on food businesses after inspections in Mumbai and Akola uncovered a series of serious hygiene and food safety violations.
The inspections revealed unhygienic cooking conditions, pest infestations, repeated use of heavily deteriorated cooking oil and concerns over food adulteration. Acting on these findings, the FDA suspended the licences and registrations of three food establishments in Mumbai and seized more than 7,000 kg of refined soybean oil from two firms in Akola.
Three Mumbai food establishments face FDA action
In Mumbai, the FDA took action against Akshay Caterers, Craftpac Hospitality Pvt Ltd and Bhagwati Stores (Swiggy), Tilak Nagar, following inspections that reportedly found several violations of food safety and hygiene standards.
Officials found that artificial colours and monosodium glutamate (MSG) were being used excessively. Inspectors also observed cooking oil that had become dark and highly oxidised, indicating repeated use.
More concerning were the reported pest-control issues. Active cockroach and pest infestations were found on the premises, raising serious questions about the cleanliness of areas where food was being prepared.
Cooked food found stored in unhygienic conditions
The inspection also highlighted problems with food storage. Cooked rice was reportedly being kept uncovered in an area affected by damp walls, moisture and mould growth.
Cooking vessels, knives and other equipment were also found to be heavily soiled. Grease, dust and organic dirt had reportedly accumulated on surfaces used for food preparation.
Another concern was the reported use of the same preparation areas, chopping boards and cooking equipment for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Such practices can increase the risk of cross-contamination if proper cleaning and segregation procedures are not followed.
Poor drainage and stagnant wastewater add to concerns
The FDA inspection reportedly found poor drainage conditions at the establishments as well. Stagnant wastewater, algae, sludge and foul odours were observed on the premises.
Taken together, the findings pointed to significant shortcomings in basic food hygiene and sanitation, prompting the authorities to suspend the licences and registrations of the three establishments.
Over 7,000 kg of refined soybean oil seized in Akola
The FDA’s action was not limited to Mumbai. In a separate operation in Akola, officials seized more than 7,000 kg of refined soybean oil from two firms operating in the MIDC area over suspected adulteration and other irregularities.
From Prabhudayal Laxminarayan, officials seized around 3,428.4 kg of refined soybean oil, estimated to be worth approximately ₹6.21 lakh.
Another 3,598.4 kg of loose refined soybean oil, valued at around ₹5.61 lakh, was seized from Bharatkumar and Brothers.
The combined quantity seized from the two firms was more than 7,000 kg.
Following the inspections, the licences of both oil-repacking firms were suspended with immediate effect after officials detected serious violations.
FDA warns food businesses of strict action
The Maharashtra FDA said inspections would continue across the state to ensure that food businesses comply with prescribed safety and hygiene standards.
The department has also warned that strict legal action will be taken against establishments found preparing, storing or selling food in unsafe or unhygienic conditions.
The latest crackdown underlines the importance of maintaining clean kitchens, using cooking oil responsibly, preventing pest infestations and ensuring proper segregation of food preparation areas.
For consumers, the inspections also serve as a reminder that food safety does not begin and end with the final dish on the plate. Clean storage, safe cooking practices, pest control, proper drainage and hygienic equipment are all essential to ensuring that the food served is safe to eat.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
