Mumbai Restaurants Close for Renovations Amid Maharashtra Food Safety Crackdown Restaurants across Mumbai are temporarily shuttering their doors to address food safety violations amid a stringent crackdown by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Indian Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHAR), representing thousands of eateries in the city, reported that at least 50% of its members have initiated renovation work, either by partially closing their establishments or operating on reduced hours to complete repairs during nighttime. This trend has led to widespread closures, with some businesses shutting down for several days to comply with stricter hygiene and safety standards. Vijay Shetty, president of AHAR, highlighted the intensity of the FDA’s enforcement actions, which have pushed restaurateurs into pre-emptive overhauls. Many owners are renovating kitchens, retraining staff, and hiring external consultants to avoid license suspensions. Shetty emphasized that the crackdown is not just about compliance but also about reputational damage. “FDA is not only suspending licenses but also naming and shaming restaurants, which is causing significant financial loss and harm to the reputation they’ve built over decades,” he said. The association’s 8,000 members, predominantly mid-scale and budget eateries, face challenges such as low profit margins and a shortage of trained staff, with many preferring to work in food courts. Owners are taking proactive measures, including conducting repairs, enrolling staff in FoSTaC (Food Safety Supervisor Training in Advance Catering) programs, and hiring former FDA and FSSAI employees to manage paperwork. Shetty noted that even minor violations now risk suspension, prompting businesses to prioritize compliance.#mumbai #maharashtra_food_and_drug_administration #indian_hotel_restaurant_association #vijay_shetty #foc
