The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has temporarily shut down Papa Pancho da Dhaba, a popular restaurant in Bandra, Mumbai, after a customer claimed to have found a rat in a chicken dish. The incident has triggered a state-wide inspection of eateries in Maharashtra. The FDA’s inspection revealed that the restaurant lacked necessary food and water analysis reports. The restaurant will not be allowed to operate until it fulfills all compliance requirements and undergoes a fresh inspection.
The senior bank manager and his friend who made the complaint stated that the rat was found in the chicken dish they had ordered at the Pali Naka restaurant. Following their complaint, the FDA inspected the premises and discovered the restaurant’s non-compliance with food safety regulations. The FDA officials also noted that the restaurant did not possess the necessary food and water analysis reports.
The state government has reacted promptly to the incident, instructing the FDA to conduct inspections of all restaurants and eateries starting immediately. The food safety inspectors will be visiting five eating establishments each within their jurisdictions to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act. Additionally, the inspectors will collect samples for testing if any suspicions arise.
Hygiene is of utmost importance in food establishments as it plays a vital role in maintaining public health. Strict adherence to hygiene norms is necessary to prevent contamination, foodborne illnesses, and disease transmission. However, the state is facing a shortage of food inspectors, with 57% of inspector positions remaining vacant. This vacancy hampers effective inspection and enforcement of food safety standards in restaurants and eateries.
During their inspection of Papa Pancho da Dhaba, the FDA team found that the restaurant failed to provide water analysis reports, which should be conducted biannually. Additionally, the restaurant did not present the annual food safety report as required. Out of the 21 staff members, medical records were available for only ten. Moreover, the restaurant bill did not display the license number. The FDA joint commissioner, Shailesh Adhao, stated that the FDA has collected fresh food samples from the restaurant, including the same chicken dish that caused the complaint.
In response to the allegations, Mamta Sekhri, the managing partner of the restaurant, stated that Papa Pancho da Dhaba is compliant with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and has been in operation for more than 22 years. She denied serving any unsafe food or food containing rats, claiming that the incident is a smear campaign. Sekhri emphasized that the restaurant has cooperated with the authorities and undergone all necessary checks and inspections. She further assured that they are paying special attention to all compliance requirements. The license was renewed after fulfilling all the necessary compliances.
The incident has highlighted the significant shortage of food safety officers in the state. Currently, there are just 13 inspectors overseeing thousands of restaurants in Mumbai, while the sanctioned number is 49. Adhao mentioned that the state government has plans to fill 200 food inspector positions across Maharashtra.
As the investigation is ongoing, Pradeep Shetty of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) cautioned against assuming anything. Both the police and FSSAI are conducting investigations to determine the veracity of the claims.
The closure of Papa Pancho da Dhaba and the subsequent review of eateries across the state underscore the importance of ensuring food safety and hygiene. It is crucial for authorities to address the shortage of food inspectors and enhance the enforcement of food safety standards in order to safeguard public health.
