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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the FSSAI license of a prominent establishment located at Kranti Chowk in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with immediate effect.
The action was taken following a surprise inspection under the "Safe Food Safe Maharashtra" campaign, which uncovered severe hygiene breaches and critical public health hazards. Inspectors found chopped, foul-smelling paneer kept in the kitchen ready for active cooking, lacking any validity or use-by date. Due to its high moisture and protein content, spoiled paneer poses a severe risk of rapid microbial growth. Gravies and other prepared food items lacked labels indicating their preparation time or discard limits, increasing the risk of time-temperature abuse and the reuse of stale food. Vegetables were being chopped in unsanitary conditions behind a temporary partition right at the entrance of the toilet, surrounded by cobwebs and heavy dirt. Additionally, boiled noodles were left completely uncovered in the dishwashing area, exposing them to dirty water and used utensils. Cooking oil in use was completely blackened from repeated overheating, posing serious long-term health risks to consumers. Raw ingredients like onions were stored directly on the floor touching walls, and the facility lacked basic pest-control mechanisms such as air curtains or insect killers. Temperature-controlled storage protocols, including First-In, First-Out (FIFO) standards, were completely unmaintained. The establishment had previously been inspected on December 18, 2025, and received an improvement notice on December 29, 2025. Following continued non-compliance, a court penalty of 50,000 was imposed on April 10, 2026. Given the persistent failure to adhere to food safety standards and the immediate danger to public health, Assistant Commissioner (Food) and Designated Officer DV Patil issued the suspension order under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The administration strictly warns that during the suspension period, the establishment is prohibited from manufacturing, storing, selling, or distributing any food items. Operating a food business without a valid license will attract severe legal and criminal action under the Food Safety Act. Joint Commissioner Shrikant Karakale reiterated that providing safe, clean, and quality food is a statutory responsibility for all food business operators across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, emphasising that strict action will continue against any establishment violating public health norms. (ANI)
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