Food Safety Crackdowns Across India Target Hygiene Failures and Export Fraud
Published on 09/03/2026 at 14:37 | Editorial boerse-global.de
A wave of food safety enforcement actions across multiple Indian regions has led to license suspensions, heavy fines, and the seizure of tonnes of unfit products. The crackdown, which intensified in early September 2026, targeted everything from international fast-food chains to local hotels and export warehouses — a reminder to UK businesses operating in the region of the strict regulatory environment around food standards.
License Suspensions Hit Major Food Brands
Authorities in Mumbai and Hyderabad have taken decisive action against several well-known food brands. On September 2 and 3, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Mumbai suspended the food licenses of EatClub Brands, which operates MOJO Pizza and BOX8, citing inadequate storage facilities, poor pest control, and unauthorized sales activities.
Similar action was taken against Rani Creators in Kurla after inspectors discovered pest infestations and uncovered raw meat, while two bakeries in Chembur were also flagged for falling short of safety standards.
In Hyderabad, the TG SAFE agency suspended the license of the iconic Hotel Shadab on September 2 following hygiene violations. A broader inspection of 19 cafes in the city led to the immediate closure of Dreamz Cafeteria and Asiatic Cafe for operating without valid FSSAI licenses. Officials collected 15 food samples for testing and issued improvement notices to 12 other establishments.
Consumer Protection Week Sparks West Bengal Crackdown
In West Bengal, a large-scale enforcement drive coincided with the start of Consumer Protection Week on September 1. Officials seized rotten meat and spoiled dairy products across several districts, including Kolkata, Hooghly, and Bardhaman. In Kolkata alone, more than 40 kilograms of stale meat were confiscated. The state government has signaled a policy of zero tolerance for market malpractices.
Heavy Fines for Hygiene and Sanitation Lapses
Recent inspections in Gurgaon and Faridabad have uncovered severe sanitary violations, leading to significant financial penalties. Health teams raiding five prominent eateries in Faridabad on September 2 discovered the use of expired or reused oil, as well as insects and fungus in vegetable supplies.
The Municipal Corporation of Faridabad and health officials issued substantial fines on September 2 and 3:
- Babbal: 6.5 lakh rupees
- Om Sweets: 6 lakh rupees
- Haldiram: 2 lakh rupees
- RPS: 50,000 rupees
- Gulati: 45,000 rupees
Further inspections in the Gajuwaka zone by the GVMC on September 2 resulted in 45,000 rupees in fines for issues such as improper kitchen upkeep, faulty drainage, and the use of unauthorized food colors. In Surat, the Municipal Corporation fined the Radhakrishna Hotel 5,000 rupees on September 3 after a customer reported finding a dead cockroach in a meal.
Export Fraud Investigation Uncovers Fake Labels
Beyond retail restaurants, authorities have targeted large-scale distribution and export operations. In Odisha, food safety officials inspected approximately 20 outlets in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on September 2, including locations of KFC and Burger King.
The drive resulted in the sealing of a Wow! Momo warehouse in Cuttack and the destruction of 60 kilograms of unfit food. This followed a previous enforcement drive in the region that saw the destruction of over 3,600 kilograms of unsafe food items.
In a significant investigation into food fraud, the Maharashtra FDA raided a warehouse operated by Sadhana Enterprises in Mumbai on August 25. Officials seized goods valued at approximately $80,000, alleging that the firm was faking expiry dates and nutrition labels on products from PepsiCo, Nestle, Coca-Cola, and Unilever intended for export. The raid uncovered chemicals, specialized printing machines, and roughly 5,000 cartons of altered goods.
International Inspections Yield Mixed Results
Food safety monitoring also extended to Maricopa County, Arizona, where inspections conducted on September 2 identified various lapses. Several establishments, including Federico's Mexican Food and The Breakfast Club, were cited for violations such as improper hand washing, incorrect food temperatures, and the use of expired items.
While some businesses faced citations, others, including specific Subway and Subway-affiliated locations, received perfect scores for maintaining safety protocols.
