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The Maharashtra FDA has intensified inspections of food storage and distribution facilities ahead of the upcoming festive season.
At a Swiggy Instamart dark store in Ballard Estate, operated by Swinsta ENT Private Limited, inspectors reported finding a live rat in a food-handling area. The FDA also reported rodent-damaged rice bags, droppings in storage areas, cockroaches on food products and flies inside storage carts.
The inspection also reportedly found dirt and insect remains inside refrigeration units, along with other sanitation deficiencies. The establishment's food licence was subsequently suspended with immediate effect.
An Amazon-linked warehouse in Kandivali, operated by Acculogicx Supply Chain Solutions Pvt Ltd, also faced licence suspension. According to the FDA, inspectors identified broken flooring, drainage and sanitation problems, stagnant wastewater and inadequate separation between food products and cleaning chemicals.
The FDA also cited deficiencies involving protective equipment for food handlers, medical records and temperature monitoring for perishable products.
The crackdown extended beyond the two large e-commerce-linked facilities. Other Mumbai establishments facing licence suspensions included Sadguru Sweets and Farsan Mart, Suleman Usman Mithaiwala, Jain Sweet & Bhelpuri House and Nice Enterprises, among others.
The inspections were carried out between September 17 and September 20 as part of a wider effort to check food safety and hygiene standards before the festive season.
The Maharashtra FDA said its wider enforcement campaign resulted in approximately 32,023 kg/litres of food stock worth ₹1.36 crore being seized or destroyed.
The products included suspected adulterated or unhygienically handled khoya, mawa, peda, ghee, edible oil, barfi, dried fruits, jaggery and other dairy products. Officials also seized 1,868 kg of turmeric powder worth ₹6.53 lakh from Miraj.
The latest action highlights the increased regulatory focus on hygiene and food-handling practices across restaurants, retail outlets, warehouses and online grocery supply chains in Maharashtra.
