Maharashtra FDA Suspends Food Licences of McDonald's, Radio Club, Khar Gymkhana

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of several prominent establishments in Mumbai following inspections that uncovered serious food safety and hygiene violations. The action includes the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, a McDonald’s kiosk in Colaba, Status Restaurant in Nariman Point and Khar Gymkhana. Officials cited multiple lapses involving food storage, pest control, sanitation and compliance with safety regulations.

At the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, inspectors reportedly found active fly infestations in kitchen areas, a dead cockroach and open cockroach traps near the utensil-washing section. Food and utensils were stored directly on the floor, while flaking ceiling plaster was found above food preparation areas. Chemicals and cleaning products were also stored close to food items, raising concerns about possible contamination.

The inspection also found unhygienic refrigerators used for non-vegetarian food, improper thawing of food products and inadequate temperature monitoring. Staff clothing and helmets were reportedly stored alongside food, while waste bins were placed close to cooking stoves. Officials also noted improperly sealed kitchen doors and signs of spitting on the premises. The establishment recorded an overall non-compliance rate of 47 per cent, according to the inspection findings.

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The FDA also took action against the McDonald’s kiosk in Colaba, which reportedly failed 18 of 20 food safety parameters. Officials alleged that the outlet submitted falsified compliance documents running to 148 pages and used cheese analogues without declaring them on the menu. The food licence was suspended under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, preventing the affected establishments from manufacturing, selling or distributing food until compliance is verified.

McDonald’s said it maintains strict food safety standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards food safety hazards. The company said it was reviewing the FDA's observations and maintained that its restaurants follow regulatory requirements for food quality, safety and hygiene. It also said its products use real cheese and real paneer and that customers are welcome to understand its food preparation practices through kitchen tours.

The FDA also suspended the food registration certificate of Khar Gymkhana after inspectors identified serious hygiene concerns and risks of cross-contamination. Raw, cooked, vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods were reportedly not adequately segregated, while hazardous chemical storage and inadequate pest-control arrangements were also noted. The affected establishments have been directed to stop food-related activities during the suspension period and comply with safety requirements before operations can resume.

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