FDA suspends south Mumbai bakery licence over hygiene deficiency

MUMBAI: The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of popular bakery Suleman Usman Mithaiwala on Mohammed Ali Road due to hygiene shortcomings, improper waste food disposal and inadequate health checks for staff, among other violations. The food regulatory body has instructed it to cease operations from April 2 to April 10.
However, when TOI visited the restaurant on Friday, it was operational. The restaurant claimed it is yet to receive any orders.
FDA officials said they initially identified violations in Jan through online images uploaded by the restaurant on the Food Safety Compliance System (FosCos). This web portal, managed by FSSAI, serves as a platform for food licensing and registration. It was followed by a physical inspection in Feb where FDA pointed out several violations.
Dr Shailesh Adhao, joint commissioner (food), highlighted areas of partial compliance, including the cleaning of equipment and premises as per the scheduled requirements. Additionally, officials noted partial adherence to the periodic removal of food waste. They also identified insufficient lighting.
Of significant concern was the absence of annual medical examinations and vaccinations for food handlers against enteric diseases. Further, there was partial compliance in providing food handlers with essential protective gear such as aprons, gloves, headgear and shoe covers. Adhao said a food safety officer will inspect the premises on Saturday, and if found open despite the order, further action will be initiated. When TOI contacted the bakery, it confirmed it was being inspected, but said it was unaware of any stop-work order.