Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked the suspension of Ajanta Caterers, reinstating their licence to operate the canteen at the Akashwani MLA hostel in Churchgate. The canteen resumed operations on Tuesday, nearly a week after being shut down following a food safety scandal that made headlines.
The controversy began when Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad physically assaulted the canteen manager last Tuesday over being served stale dal. While the Marine Drive police registered a non-cognisable offence against Gaikwad, neither the manager nor the contractor filed a formal complaint.
FDA Raid On MLA Canteen; Flies In Food, Rusty Knives
The following day, the FDA conducted a surprise inspection of the canteen, uncovering 79 hygiene violations. Among the most serious findings were dead flies in butter, dirty utensils and crockery, unsanitised equipment, improperly cooled cooked food and unclean raw materials. Kitchen staff were found working without gloves or uniforms, while rusty knives, chipped cutting boards and reused cooking oil added to the list of concerns.
FDA Food Safety Officer R.S. Bodke, who led the inspection, identified 19 critical violations across various categories, including kitchen layout, sanitation, food handling, and documentation. The findings were deemed to be in breach of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011.
Ajanta Caterers had been awarded the canteen contract on June 26, 2024, for a term extending until September 27, 2027. Following the inspection, Assistant Commissioner (Food) Anupama Balasaheb Patil issued an immediate suspension order, citing non-compliance with statutory food safety norms.
Suspension Revoked, Deadline Given To Rectify Issues
In response, Ajanta Caterers filed an appeal with the FDA. After a follow-up inspection and review, the FDA decided to lift the suspension, allowing the canteen to resume service. However, the department has given the Public Works Department (PWD), which owns the MLA hostel premises, a 14-day deadline to rectify remaining hygiene and infrastructure issues.
According to a Hindustan Times report citing sources, several MLAs had urged the FDA to restart canteen operations, citing a lack of alternative food options nearby. While the canteen is now functional, FDA officials have warned of continued monitoring to ensure strict compliance with food safety standards.
