Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has launched a major crackdown on food-safety violations across Mumbai, conducting more than 3,000 raids since taking charge in May. The campaign has increased pressure on restaurants, hotels and food businesses to improve hygiene standards.
Mundhe’s teams have suspended permits at four Domino’s and one Pizza Hut outlet, while inspections have uncovered cockroaches, rats, stained premises and expired food. Images from several raids have also gone viral, attracting widespread public attention.
The inspections have prompted businesses to change their practices, including replacing artificial colouring, changing cooking oil more frequently and requiring staff to wear gloves and head coverings. Authorities have also banned the use of newspapers to package vada pav.
The crackdown has won public support, although some businesses have accused Mundhe’s department of being overly aggressive. Despite the criticism, Mundhe says he is simply carrying out his responsibility as Maharashtra’s food-safety commissioner.
