Food Safety Raid in Maharashtra: FDA Suspends Licenses of McDonald’s and 6 Others

Mumbai: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken major action regarding food safety in Maharashtra. During the special checking operation conducted on August 19 and 20, milk and dairy products as well as banned gutkha-paan masala and other food items were examined. During this period, licenses of 7 big food outlets including McDonald's were suspended after serious irregularities were found. At the same time, 6 people have been arrested in the case of banned Gutkha-Paan Masala.

What was found in the kitchen of the hotel?

During the inspection of the kitchen of a hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, many serious deficiencies related to food safety were revealed. The FDA team found spoiled cheese, blackened oil and food stored in the open. The cleanliness condition in the kitchen was also found to be poor. After this the FSSAI licence of the hotel was suspended.

Was spoilt cheese being used?

According to the investigation team, the cheese kept in the kitchen was found in bad condition and neither the validity date nor the use by date was recorded on it. The officers confiscated the cheese. Apart from this, negligence was also seen in the arrangement of keeping the food at the right temperature.

How did open dustbins and black oil increase concerns?

During investigation, open dustbins were found in the hotel and dirty toilet water pipes were found passing through the open spaces. There was a danger of food items getting contaminated. Black oil used to cover food was also found in the pan. Not only this, the rest of the raw material including the nest was kept on the ground directly adjacent to the wall.

Licenses of which big food outlets were suspended?

According to FDA, during this special campaign, action was taken against violations of food safety rules in Mumbai also. A total of 7 food outlets including McDonald's, Bombay Presidency Radio Club, Novara of Mold, Status Restaurant of Nariman Point have come under the scanner of the action. Their licenses were suspended after serious food safety and hygiene deficiencies were found.

Has action already been taken?

It has been told that the concerned hotel has already faced action for ignoring the rules. After investigation in December 2025, a notice of improvement was given. Despite this, the shortcomings were not rectified, after which a fine of Rs 50 thousand was also imposed in April 2026. Now in view of continuous ignoring of rules, FDA ordered suspension of the license with immediate effect under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

How many people were arrested in the Gutkha case?

During the special drive of FDA, action was also taken against banned Gutkha and Pan Masala. Three shops in Mumbai were sealed and 6 people were arrested in this case. Officials said that during the investigation, banned products worth about Rs 1.95 lakh were seized.

This action of FDA is being considered as a big step against those who play with food safety and people's health. The department has made it clear that strict action will continue against those who violate the rules of quality and hygiene of food items.