Cricket Club Of India Canteen Loses Licence After Kitchen Inspection

The canteen of Mumbai's iconic Cricket Club of India (CCI) has had its Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence suspended after food safety inspectors uncovered multiple serious hygiene and food handling violations during a surprise inspection. The action followed an inspection conducted on July 27 as part of a special enforcement drive targeting club canteens across Greater Mumbai. Authorities cited live cockroach infestation, spoiled food, fungal growth and several breaches of food safety norms as reasons for the immediate suspension.

According to the inspection report, officials found active cockroach and fly infestations in food preparation and waste disposal areas, along with condensate water dripping directly onto stored food inside cold storage facilities. Inspectors also reported clogged drains, spoiled vegetables showing fungal growth, over-ripened mushrooms and expired food items being stored in the kitchen. Based on these findings, the food safety authority suspended the canteen's FSSAI Licence No. 11515001000093 with immediate effect under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

The inspection further revealed several lapses in food storage and inventory management. Officials noted that the canteen was not following the First In, First Out (FIFO) and First Expired, First Out (FEFO) systems, while multiple food products lacked proper labels. Inspectors also observed food-contact utensils placed directly on the floor during washing, the absence of separate preparation areas for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, and a lack of colour-coded chopping boards, raising concerns over the risk of cross-contamination.

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In addition to food handling issues, the inspection highlighted poor overall sanitation within the kitchen. Authorities reported heavy accumulation of grease, sludge, dirt and stagnant water on food-contact equipment, kitchen floors and drainage lines. The use of brooms on kitchen countertops was also flagged as a contamination risk, with inspectors stating that such practices fail to meet prescribed hygiene standards for commercial food establishments.

The Cricket Club of India was one of five establishments whose food business licences were suspended during the July 27 enforcement drive. Food safety officials inspected seven club canteens across Greater Mumbai as part of the special campaign aimed at ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Authorities said the action underscores their commitment to enforcing hygiene standards and protecting public health, while establishments found in violation will be required to rectify deficiencies before they can resume food operations.

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