FDA Suspends Licences at Juhu ISKCON Outlets Over Serious Hygiene Violations

FDA inspectors inspected Govinda’s Restaurant and two other outlets at the ISKCON complex and found several lapses, including pests, poor segregation of food, clogged drains and water inside cold storage areas. The inspection also found that records related to testing, staff health and employee training were missing.

Following the inspection, the licences of the affected outlets were suspended with effect from September 7. The action was taken as part of Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s broader crackdown on food safety violations.

The FDA’s action also extended to an IRCTC kitchen in Kurla, where inspectors found cockroaches and other hygiene-related lapses.

ISKCON Juhu has acknowledged the notice issued by the FDA and assured cooperation with the authorities. The temple complex has also initiated corrective measures following the inspection.

The action has drawn mixed views over the challenge of balancing food safety and public health requirements with the demands of serving thousands of visitors at the popular vegetarian food outlets.

The suspension places renewed focus on compliance with hygiene, food handling, testing, staff health and training requirements at high-footfall food establishments, while corrective measures at the Juhu ISKCON complex are now underway.