The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of three ISKCON-run food units in Juhu following raids that uncovered pest infestations and severe hygiene lapses.
- Licences suspended for Hare Krishna Land, ISKCON Juhu Food Services, and Govindas Restaurant.
- Violations include pest infestation, poor drainage, and lack of staff medical records.
- Wider crackdown includes Zepto and IRCTC base kitchens across Mumbai and Pune.
In a stringent move to enforce health and safety compliance, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the operational licences of three food establishments managed by ISKCON Juhu. The action follows a series of surprise inspections conducted on September 3, which revealed alarming gaps in food safety protocols.
At the main facility at Hare Krishna Land, inspectors discovered a systemic failure in raw material checks and improper storage conditions. Most concerning was the presence of pest infestations and a complete lack of documentation regarding water testing, employee medical vaccinations, and mandatory food-safety training. Similarly, Govindas Restaurant was flagged for stagnant water in cold storage, blocked drainage systems, and the failure to segregate raw materials from cooked food.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this crackdown signals a zero-tolerance approach by the state regulator, led by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. By targeting high-profile institutions like ISKCON and quick-commerce giants like Zepto, the FDA is sending a clear message: no entity, regardless of its spiritual or commercial stature, is above the law when it comes to public health.
Food safety is a non-negotiable pillar of public health; institutional prestige cannot substitute for rigorous hygiene standards.
The ISKCON raids were part of a larger sweep across Maharashtra. In total, six establishments in Mumbai, three in the Konkan division, and 11 in the Pune division faced licence suspensions. In Pune, one business was ordered to cease operations entirely for operating without a valid licence.
Other notable casualties in this crackdown include Drogheria Sellers Pvt Ltd (Zepto) in Malad West. Inspectors found live cockroaches in packed egg boxes and observed that dairy products like milk and paneer were stored at 14-15°C, far exceeding the safety limit of 2-6°C. Furthermore, expired products were found on the shelves, ready for sale.
| Establishment | Primary Violation | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| ISKCON (Juhu) | Pests, Poor Drainage | Licence Suspended |
| Zepto (Malad) | Live Cockroaches, Temp Issues | Licence Suspended |
| Mateshwari Milk | Mislabeling (Adulteration) | Licence Suspended |
| IRCTC Kitchen | Open Garbage, Cockroaches | Licence Suspended |
Additional violations were noted at Mateshwari Milk in Kharghar, where toned milk was being deceitfully sold as cow's milk. An IRCTC-linked base kitchen in Kurla also faced suspension after food was found being prepared in close proximity to open garbage bins.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which ISKCON units were affected by the FDA action?
The licences for Hare Krishna Land, ISKCON Juhu Food Services, and Govindas Restaurant were suspended.
2. What were the findings at the Zepto facility in Malad?
Inspectors found live cockroaches in egg boxes and dairy products stored at unsafe temperatures (14-15°C).
