Pune’s popular Vaishali and Roopali hotels face FDA action after officials found unhygienic kitchen conditions. Inspectors reported food stored near open areas and improper waste disposal. Syed Imran Hashmi said, “Temperature monitoring records and updated drinking water testing reports were unavailable.” Authorities suspended the licence of the establishments for safety violations.
Dosa batter prepared in unhygienic area
FDA officials alleged boiled potatoes, cooked rice and other ready-to-eat food items were stored in open corridors, while idli and dosa batter was being prepared in open and unhygienic areas. They also flagged a risk of cross-contamination, as raw cut vegetables were allegedly stored directly above ready-to-eat food items. The kitchen also allegedly lacked insect-proof doors.
“Temperature monitoring records and updated drinking water testing reports were unavailable. Furthermore, a valid FoSTaC-trained food safety supervisor was not present during the inspection,” Syed Imran Hashmi, Assistant Commissioner (Food), who ordered the immediate suspension of the establishment’s food business licence, said.
Improper waste disposal, food labelling
Food Safety Officer A D Zhanjurne inspected Hotel Roopali on November 13 and reported unsafe kitchen conditions.
“The kitchen was found to be open and inadequately secured, exposing food preparation areas to dust, dirt and insects. Waterlogging, inadequate cleaning and improper waste disposal practices were observed on the premises,” an FDA official said.
Authorities alleged raw materials, semi-processed food and finished food products were stored without appropriate covering, labelling and ‘Use By’ date information.
Karkale said that the FDA’s Pune Division has taken strict action as part of the ‘Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra’ campaign launched by Maharashtra FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.