Cockroaches scurrying, fungus growing: FDA shuts Mumbai’s Fortis Hospital kitchen

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended Fortis Hospital's kitchen in Mulund, operated by third-party provider Sodexo India Services Pvt Ltd, due to unsanitary conditions. An FDA inspection discovered cockroaches, food debris in drains, fungus on transport containers, and rusty kitchen utensils while patients' meals were being prepared.

This move is part of a state-wide campaign launched on October 16, where 25 food businesses, including hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and canteens, had their licenses revoked for breaking food safety rules. Fortis Hospital acknowledged the FDA's concerns and directed Sodexo to rectify the issues promptly, ensuring patient safety and quality care remain their top priorities.

They are also exploring alternative meal arrangements to guarantee safe and nutritious food for patients and visitors. Similarly, Sophia College in Mumbai suspended its canteen services following an FDA inspection revealing violations. College officials promptly took action and promised to improve the situation immediately, emphasizing their commitment to students' wellbeing.

Across Maharashtra, the FDA suspended licenses of 25 food establishments, with seven in Mumbai, two in Konkan, eight in Pune, and eight in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, all of which breached Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) regulations, 2011.