The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of a Swiggy Instamart dark store in Mumbai’s Ballard Estate after an inspection uncovered multiple food safety and hygiene violations.
The facility, operated by Swinsta ENT Pvt Ltd, was found to have live rodents and cockroaches in areas where food was handled. Inspectors also reported rodent droppings in storage sections, while some rice bags had been chewed open. Rice grains had spilled onto floors that were found to be contaminated.
FDA Finds Problems at Food Storage Facilities
During the inspection, officials also found an operational toilet located next to the food storage area. The toilet was reportedly not being maintained properly, raising concerns about the possible spread of pathogens to areas where food products were stored.
The action against the Ballard Estate facility came shortly after the FDA reported similar hygiene concerns at Olympia Coffee House in Colaba.
The regulator also suspended the licence of an Amazon warehouse and dark store in Kandivli East. The facility, operated by Acculogicx Supply Chain Solutions, was found to have stagnant wastewater and inadequate separation between food and non-food items.
Inspectors further reported that chemicals were being kept near food packaging materials. The facility also reportedly failed to maintain the required temperature records.
Several Mumbai Food Businesses Face Action
The Maharashtra FDA has taken action against several other food establishments across Mumbai over reported hygiene-related violations.
The establishments include Suleman Usman Mithaiwala on Mohammed Ali Road, Nice Enterprises in Chembur, Jain Sweet & Bhelpuri House in Kandivli West, Go Green Food Hospitality in Ghatkopar East, and Swad Snacks Corner in Lalbaug and Parel.
Lucknowi Kebab and Zaika Moradabadi Hotel in Versova were also among the establishments whose food licences were suspended.
FDA Continues Food Safety Inspections
The latest suspensions are part of the food regulator’s ongoing inspections of food businesses, warehouses and storage facilities across Mumbai. The checks are aimed at ensuring that establishments follow prescribed hygiene and food safety requirements.
The reported violations highlight the importance of maintaining proper storage conditions, separating food from chemicals and non-food products, controlling sanitation risks and keeping required safety records up to date.