'Zero-Tolerance': McDonald’s India Responds To Munde-Led FDA Action On Mumbai Outlet

Mumbai: A day after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the food business licence of a McDonald’s outlet in Colaba, McDonald’s India on Saturday has issued a statement addressing the action.

In its statement, McDonald’s India said, “McDonald’s takes pride in maintaining high food safety standards and has a zero-tolerance approach to food safety issues. We respect the regulatory process and are reviewing the observations referenced in the report.”

The response further stated that it follows rigorous food quality, safety and hygiene standards, including the use of real cheese and real paneer. “We believe it is important that our practices are accurately understood and represented,” the statement added.

Addressing its kitchen practices and cleanliness, McDonald’s India said customers are welcome to take a kitchen tour to learn more about its food preparation procedures.

FDA flags food safety violations

The statement comes after the FDA suspended the McDonald’s Colaba outlet’s food business licence following an inspection that allegedly uncovered several food safety and hygiene violations.

During the inspection, officials reportedly found pest infestation, poor temperature control, cockroaches, rotting food waste and inadequate staff hygiene.

FDA officials also reportedly found cockroaches on the premises, along with rotting food waste on the kitchen floor near food storage and preparation areas.

According to an FDA official, the outlet had submitted a 148-page compliance report on August 12, claiming that all previously identified deficiencies had been rectified. However, a subsequent inspection reportedly found that most of the issues remained unresolved.

The FDA said that submitting false information to the licensing authority amounts to an offence under Section 61 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

FDA's wider food safety drive

The action against the Colaba outlet comes amid the FDA’s ongoing statewide food safety drive, under which several food establishments have faced inspections and enforcement action this week.

The FDA also recently suspended the food business licence of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) facility in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) over alleged food safety and hygiene violations.

Following the action, the MCA Club informed its members that all food and beverage services and restaurants at the facility would remain closed with immediate effect until further notice, while its sports facilities would continue to operate.

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