Mumbai :- The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the food served at the Akashwani MLA Hostel in Churchgate was not stale, despite allegations by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who had assaulted a canteen employee on July 9, 2025, claiming he was served spoiled food.
Following the incident, FDA officials conducted an immediate inspection and collected 16 food samples from the canteen operated by Ajanta Caterers. Lab results confirmed the food was safe for consumption, with no signs of spoilage.
However, FDA officials identified 19 critical safety violations in the kitchen, including poor hygiene, flawed kitchen design, and lack of proper record-keeping. The dal in question was stored in a plastic bag, which may have caused an off-putting smell and taste, contributing to Gaikwad’s reaction.
As a result of the violations, the FDA has suspended the caterer’s operations, citing failure to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Ajanta Caterers had been operating the canteen since June 2024 under a contract valid until September 2027.
The FDA has now announced surprise inspections across government institutions to ensure food safety and hygiene compliance going forward.
