Mumbai News: FDA Finds Flies In Food, Rusty Knives And Poor Hygiene In MLA Hostel Canteen

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the operations of Ajanta Caterers, based at the Akashwani MLA Hostel in Churchgate, after a surprise inspection revealed serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms. The inspection found dead flies in a butter pot used for preparing rotis, egg shells scattered across the kitchen floor, uncovered food kept near dustbins, repeated reuse of cooking oil without proper documentation, kitchen staff working without gloves or uniforms, and the use of rusty knives and chipped cutting boards.

The inspection was triggered by an incident involving Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who  slapped and punched a canteen employee for reportedly serving stale food. In response, the FDA visited the premises and conducted a detailed inspection on July 9, 2025. 

FDA Food Safety Officer R.S. Bodke, who led the inspection, noted non-compliance in at least 19 critical parameters, including kitchen design, sanitation, personal hygiene, operational control, and record maintenance. The caterer was found in violation of several key provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011. The inspection also revealed no separation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food preparation, open garbage bins in the kitchen, and a broken, corroded deep freezer used to store non-vegetarian food.

According to the preliminary report, Ajanta Caterers failed to meet any of the 42 mandatory parameters set under food safety guidelines. These covered infrastructure, cleanliness, maintenance protocols, staff hygiene, training, and documentation. Each item was marked as either non-compliant or partially compliant.

Additionally, the caterer violated a crucial licensing condition requiring the presence of at least one qualified technical person to supervise food production. The rules mandate that such a person must possess a degree or diploma in food technology or hotel management. No such person was found at the facility during the inspection.

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Ajanta Caterers had been awarded a contract on June 26, 2024, for a term of three years and three months, valid until September 27, 2027. However, based on the FDA’s findings, Assistant Commissioner (Food) Anupama Balasaheb Patil issued an immediate suspension order, citing the caterer’s failure to adhere to essential statutory provisions related to food safety.

The FDA has strictly warned the caterer not to engage in any food-related activities during the suspension period. Any violation will attract legal action. The caterer has also been informed of their right to appeal the order within 15 days to the Commissioner of Food Safety, FDA Maharashtra, based at Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai.