Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences of Quick-Commerce Firms and Restaurant Chains
Published on 08/14/2026 at 23:07 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
India's Maharashtra state has launched a major food-safety crackdown, suspending licences and issuing fines worth hundreds of thousands of rupees after inspections uncovered hygiene failures at major quick-commerce platforms, international restaurant chains and unlicensed local vendors. The enforcement drive, led by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, signals a tougher regulatory stance that UK employers with Indian operations should note.
Quick-Commerce Licences Suspended
The Maharashtra FDA suspended 14 licences belonging to quick-commerce facilities on Friday, including platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart. The action followed inspections of 86 online food establishments, where officials reported finding pest infestations—including cockroaches and rodent droppings—as well as expired food products and inadequate temperature controls.
Specific violations included a chiller at a Malad facility operating at 6°C and expired poultry stored at 8°C in Andheri. During the raids, the FDA seized 698 kilograms of dairy products and 1,270 kilograms of other food items, with a total estimated value of approximately Rs 46.89 lakh.
Chain Restaurants Hit
The enforcement drive also extended to major international food chains. On Friday, the FDA suspended the licences of four Domino's outlets and one Pizza Hut store. Inspectors cited hygiene violations such as grease residue in pizza-making machinery, insect infestations, and the use of products lacking proper expiry dates.
These actions follow a broader campaign earlier this week that inspected 104 chain restaurants, resulting in 95 improvement notices and two orders to stop business.
The same regulatory pressure is building in the UK, where inspectors are increasingly scrutinising how workplaces document and manage everyday hazards. A free toolkit with 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists helps you stay ahead of compliance demands. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
Regional Inspections and Penalties
Outside Mumbai, the Nashik FDA conducted an enforcement drive on Friday targeting unlicensed food businesses. Authorities issued fines totalling Rs 3.10 lakh, including penalties for 15 operators lacking FSSAI licences in the Deolali Khau Galli and local bus stands. Two establishments were specifically fined for serving food on newspaper sheets.
In Hyderabad, the Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) raided six food units on Friday, including bakeries and ice cream manufacturers. Officials flagged the reuse of cooking oil, the use of artificial food colours, and a lack of protective gear for workers.
Similarly, in Raipur, a surprise inspection near the railway station on Friday led to the discovery of harmful colours in chicken biryani. Two biryani centres were sealed for operating without registration or for maintaining extremely unsanitary conditions.
International Closures and Safety Warnings
Enforcement actions were not limited to India. In Abu Dhabi, the Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) ordered the temporary closure of The Original Lessi Cafe on Friday, citing repeated food safety violations that posed a risk to public health.
In the United States, health inspectors in Sacramento County reported the closure of a market and a tea shop earlier this week after discovering cockroach infestations and expired safety certifications. Riverside County also saw several temporary closures between August 6 and August 13 due to issues ranging from rodent infestations to E. coli contamination in well water.
Global enforcement trends show why robust documentation matters. Over 37,000 UK businesses already rely on a free Health & Safety toolkit covering COSHH, fire safety, PPE and more — so you can demonstrate compliance with confidence. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit
Warning on Fake Agents
In response to the surge in enforcement activity, the Maharashtra FDA issued a warning on Friday regarding fake agents attempting to demand money for food and drug licences. Commissioner Mundhe clarified that there are no authorised agents and that all licensing must be conducted through official government portals. He urged business owners to report any such demands to the commissioner's office.
