Nagpur Expert to Plan Rs 3 Crore Mantralaya Canteen Revamp The Maharashtra government has approved a 3 crore rupees overhaul of kitchens at Mumbai’s Mantralaya canteen, with a Nagpur-based expert playing a pivotal role in planning the modernization project. The decision comes amid a statewide hygiene crackdown led by Maharashtra FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe and subsequent scrutiny of government canteens by the Bombay high court. The approval, granted on August 14, includes administrative and financial clearance for upgrading both the main Mantralaya Canteen and the Square Meal Canteen in the annexe. Of the total budget, 64.96 lakh rupees is allocated for civil works, while 2.36 crore rupees is earmarked for electrical, exhaust, and allied infrastructure. Prashant Virkhare, head of Tourism at Govt Polytechnic in Nagpur, was appointed as the technical adviser for the project. Virkhare conducted five site visits to the Mumbai canteen to analyze its existing conditions and draft recommendations. He stated that the team completed layout planning, civil-related proposals, and submitted the final report to the state government for approval. According to records, the department lacked the technical manpower to execute the modernization, prompting the appointment of Virkhare. He inspected both canteens before submitting his report on June 18, highlighting critical gaps in the existing infrastructure. The proposed upgrades include structural repairs, waterproof flooring and walls, stainless-steel modular equipment, energy-efficient systems, mechanical exhaust and HVAC installations, improved washing and sanitization facilities, fly-proof screens, and hand-washing arrangements.#maharashtra_government #tukaram_mundhe #mantralaya_canteen #square_meal_canteen #prashant_virkhare
Food Safety Raids in Bengaluru and Mumbai Uncover Hygiene Violations and Expired Products Authorities in Mumbai and Bengaluru have stepped up food safety inspections, uncovering widespread violations ranging from expired dairy products and improperly stored food to unlicensed operations and poor hygiene practices. The crackdown, part of broader enforcement drives in Maharashtra and Karnataka, has led to the suspension of licenses, issuance of notices, and laboratory testing of food samples to address critical gaps in regulatory compliance. In Mumbai, the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration intensified inspections under the leadership of newly appointed commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Between August 4 and 6, 63 restaurants and food businesses were examined, with 38 receiving notices to improve hygiene and adhere to safety standards. Licenses of seven establishments were suspended for non-compliance, while three others were ordered to cease operations. The FDA also suspended licenses of several eateries across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for violations linked to hygiene and licensing requirements. These actions highlight the regulator’s focus on ensuring that food businesses meet basic safety and operational standards. The enforcement drive has revealed systemic issues across the food chain, affecting restaurants, dhabas, and commercial kitchens. Inspectors found violations such as lack of mandatory permissions, improper labeling, and inadequate segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. In Bengaluru, the Food Safety Wing of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department deployed 30 teams to inspect 26 three-star and five-star hotels.#tukaram_mundhe #maharashtra_food_and_drugs_administration #bengaluru_food_safety_wing #food_safety_and_drugs_administration_department #mumbai_food_authorities
Saoji Row: Vidarbha Statehood Outfit Seeks Mundhe’s Apology State FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe’s comments on Saoji cuisine have triggered a backlash from the Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS), which is demanding an apology for what it calls an insult to the region’s cultural heritage. The controversy began when Mundhe, during an address to students in Amravati, criticized the high oil content in local food preparations, warning of long-term health risks. His remarks took a sharper turn when he specifically referenced Nagpur’s Saoji cuisine, suggesting that consuming it could lead to severe health complications. This sparked outrage among VRAS members, who view the remarks as an affront to the culinary traditions of Vidarbha. Mukesh Masurkar, the youth wing state president of VRAS, issued a statement condemning Mundhe’s remarks as an attack on the region’s cultural identity. He emphasized that Saoji cuisine is not merely a cooking style but a vital part of the cultural and historical fabric of Nagpur and Vidarbha. “Saoji mutton or Saoji cuisine is not just a cooking style. It is an integral part of the cultural tradition, culinary heritage, and identity of Nagpur and Vidarbha,” Masurkar said. He argued that Mundhe’s comments, which he described as derogatory and sweeping, were inappropriate and lacked sensitivity toward the region’s traditions. The controversy stems from Mundhe’s remarks at an event where he addressed students, highlighting the health risks associated with excessive oil consumption in local diets. While he acknowledged the general issue of oil usage, his specific reference to Saoji cuisine drew sharp criticism.#nagpur #vidarbha_rajya_andolan_samiti #mukesh_masurkar #tukaram_mundhe #saoji_cuisine
