In a major food safety enforcement action, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the FSSAI licences of five prominent Mumbai clubs following surprise inspections that revealed serious hygiene and food safety lapses.
The action, carried out between July 24 and 27 under the supervision of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, affected the Cricket Club of India (CCI), MIG Cricket Club, Willingdon Sports Club, RK Juhu Gymkhana and Aparna Juhu Gymkhana. The clubs have been directed to suspend food operations until corrective measures are implemented and compliance is verified.
According to the FDA, inspections uncovered issues including cockroach infestations, improper food storage, expired and spoiled ingredients, poor pest control, unhygienic kitchen conditions and non-compliance with food safety protocols.
At CCI, inspectors reportedly found live cockroaches and flies in food preparation areas, rotten vegetables, expired food products and water leakage inside cold storage facilities. The FDA also flagged the absence of segregation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food preparation areas and non-adherence to FIFO and FEFO inventory management practices.
MIG Cricket Club was cited for operating with an unauthorised caterer lacking a valid FSSAI licence, along with pest infestation, inadequate food storage practices and incomplete health records for food handlers. Similar lapses related to hygiene, food storage and maintenance of equipment were identified at the other clubs.
The enforcement drive also resulted in a Stop Business Notice being issued to Goregaon Sports Club for allegedly operating without a valid FSSAI licence, while another establishment received an improvement notice.
For the hospitality sector, the action highlights the growing regulatory focus on food safety compliance and operational hygiene standards, irrespective of an establishment’s brand reputation or legacy status. The suspended clubs can resume food operations only after addressing deficiencies and receiving clearance from the FDA.
