FDA Suspends Fortis Hospital Kitchen License Over Hygiene Violations
Maharashtra FDA suspends Sodexo India Services Pvt Ltd's food business license for Fortis Hospital Mulund kitchen due to cockroaches, fungus, and rusted equipment found during patient meal preparation.
Maharashtra FDA suspends Sodexo India Services Pvt Ltd's food business license for Fortis Hospital Mulund kitchen due to cockroaches, fungus, and rusted equipment found during patient meal preparation.
· Updated
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business license of Sodexo India Services Pvt Ltd, the operator of Fortis Hospital's kitchen in Mulund, Mumbai. The action follows an inspection that revealed significant hygiene issues, including the presence of cockroaches, food waste in drainage systems, fungus-infested food transport containers, and rusted knives. These findings were made while meals were being prepared for patients at the hospital.
This suspension is part of a broader statewide initiative by the FDA, launched on October 16, targeting food establishments that violate safety regulations. Across Maharashtra, the licenses of 25 food businesses, encompassing hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and canteens, have been suspended.
Fortis Hospital has stated that patient safety, quality of care, and hygiene are top priorities. The hospital acknowledged the FDA's findings regarding the kitchen operated by its third-party provider, Sodexo India Services Pvt Ltd. Fortis has directed the service provider to address the issues promptly and ensure full compliance with food safety standards.
The hospital is reviewing the corrective measures being implemented by Sodexo and is making alternative arrangements to guarantee the continuous supply of safe and nutritious meals to patients and their attendants. The FDA also suspended the license of Sophia College Canteen in Mumbai due to similar violations, prompting the college to immediately suspend the canteen contractor's services.
FAQ
What specific hygiene issues were found in the Fortis Hospital kitchen?
The inspection found cockroaches, food waste in drainage, fungus-infested food transport containers, and rusted knives.
What is the FDA doing as part of its statewide crackdown?
The FDA is suspending the licenses of food establishments found violating food safety regulations, with 25 licenses suspended statewide so far.
