Mumbai, July 28, 2026: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence of the iconic Poornima Restaurant in Mumbai's Fort area with immediate effect after a surprise inspection revealed multiple serious food safety and hygiene violations that officials said posed a potential risk to public health.
The inspection, conducted on July 23, found that the restaurant had violated provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Serious Hygiene Lapses Found
Among the major lapses, inspectors found raw vegetables, including drumsticks and bananas, affected by fungal growth. The refrigeration unit had excessive ice accumulation, while raw, contaminated, and cooked food items were stored together, creating a serious risk of cross-contamination.
"What was particularly alarming was that even the pickles had developed fungus. Pickles normally contain high levels of salt and oil, which inhibit fungal growth. The presence of fungus indicates that basic hygiene standards were not maintained and reflects complete negligence in food handling and storage," a senior FDA official told The Free Press Journal.
Officials also reported a heavy infestation of flies, stagnant wastewater, unhygienic drains, the absence of cockroach traps, and peeling paint and rust on walls and ceilings.
The restaurant was unable to produce NABL-accredited food testing reports or drinking water quality reports during the inspection. Food handlers were found preparing food barefoot and wearing jewellery, while records of their medical examinations and fitness certificates were unavailable.
Inspectors also found that the refrigerator doors were not closing properly, resulting in inadequate temperature control, and that pickles were being stored in non-food-grade plastic drums, in violation of prescribed food safety standards.
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Licence Suspended
Stating that the deficiencies posed a potential threat to consumer health, the FDA ordered the immediate suspension of the restaurant's FSSAI licence.
The regulator said the licence would be considered for restoration only after the establishment rectifies all deficiencies, fully complies with food safety and hygiene regulations, and satisfies the competent authority during a subsequent inspection.
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