The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licence of Sodexo India Services Pvt Ltd, which operates the kitchen at Fortis Hospital in Mulund, Mumbai, after an inspection reportedly found multiple food safety and hygiene violations.
The inspection revealed cockroaches in the kitchen, food waste in drainage areas, fungus-infested food transport containers and rusted knives being used during food preparation. The findings have raised serious concerns about food hygiene in a hospital environment, where safe and nutritious meals are essential for patients.
Fortis Hospital Responds to FDA Action
Following the FDA’s communication, Fortis Hospital stated that patient safety, quality of care and hygiene remain its top priorities. The hospital acknowledged the observations concerning the on-premise kitchen operated by its third-party dietary service provider, Sodexo India Services Pvt Ltd.
The hospital said it had directed the service provider to address the issues promptly and ensure compliance with applicable food safety requirements. It also stated that corrective measures were under review and alternative arrangements were being made wherever necessary to ensure the uninterrupted supply of safe and nutritious meals to patients and their attendants.
Sophia College Canteen Licence Also Suspended
The FDA also suspended the licence of Sophia College Canteen on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mumbai following violations detected during inspections.
Responding to the action, Sophia College for Women principal Anagha Tendulkar Patil said the college had suspended the canteen contractor’s services with immediate effect. She added that necessary improvements and modifications were being undertaken, emphasising that student wellbeing remained the institution’s priority.
FDA Suspends Licences of 25 Food Establishments Across Maharashtra
The action forms part of a statewide crackdown announced by the Maharashtra FDA on October 16, 2026. The department suspended the licences of 25 food establishments for violations of food safety regulations.
The establishments included hotels, restaurants, bakeries and canteens across several divisions.
The reported distribution of suspended licences was as follows:
- Mumbai division: 7 establishments
- Konkan division: 2 establishments
- Pune division: 8 establishments
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division: 8 establishments
The crackdown also included six Domino’s Pizza outlets in Pune. The establishments were reportedly found violating Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, which lays down hygiene and sanitary requirements for food businesses.
What This Means for Food Safety
The incident highlights the importance of strict hygiene controls in institutional kitchens, particularly those supplying food to hospitals and educational institutions.
Food businesses must maintain effective pest control, proper waste disposal, clean food-contact surfaces, hygienic food storage and transportation, and safe food preparation practices. Regular inspections, employee training and documented corrective actions are essential to prevent contamination and protect consumers.
The Maharashtra FDA’s action reinforces the importance of regulatory compliance and accountability among food business operators and third-party catering service providers.
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