The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday suspended the licences of three restaurants operated at ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Land in Juhu, citing “serious violations of food safety and hygiene rules”.The three establishments — ISKCON’s Govinda’s Restaurant, Food Services Restaurant and another food outlet on the premises — were inspected by FDA officials on September 3.At Govinda’s Restaurant, inspectors found that drinking water was not being tested periodically and that raw materials were not being adequately cleaned before food preparation. Water had accumulated inside the cold storage room, while drains were found choked and lacked grease and cockroach traps.The FDA also reported evidence of pest infestation, while some food handlers were found working without aprons and gloves.At the Food Services Restaurant, inspectors found inadequate segregation of raw and cooked food. “Remains of insect feces were found in the store room,” the FDA said.Officials also found that the restaurant was not conducting the required testing of food items. Lighting in the restaurant and storeroom was inadequate, while edible oil was not being periodically checked for colour, taste and floating particles.The FDA further said that medical examinations and vaccinations of food handlers had not been carried out as required.At the third food establishment on the premises, inspectors reported “serious deficiencies” involving food safety, sanitation, pest control, personal hygiene, food storage, equipment maintenance, staff training and record management.In a statement, ISKCON Juhu said it had received the FDA notice following the September 3 inspection of its kitchen and food operations. The organisation said the FDA had assessed its current compliance level at 70% and identified areas requiring corrective measures.“Following the inspection, the FDA assessed the current level of compliance at 70% and identified certain areas requiring corrective action,” ISKCON Juhu said.The organisation added that its representatives were in communication with the FDA and that corrective measures had already been initiated to meet all applicable food safety and regulatory standards.ISKCON Juhu said the safety, hygiene and well-being of its devotees and guests remained its “highest priority”. It added that kitchen operations at the Juhu premises would remain closed until the required corrective measures were completed and full compliance was achieved.
FDA Action at ISKCON Juhu: 3 Food Outlets Lose Licences Over Safety Violations
