FDA suspends licence of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar bakery after complaint of rubber, plastic in cupcake

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of Royal Bakers and Confectioners, which operates in the Chikalthana MIDC area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, after a complaint that a cupcake bought for eating contained pieces of rubber or plastic. A subsequent inspection also found filth at the bakery and disregard of food safety rules.

The action takes effect from October 8 and will remain in force until further orders. During this period the bakery cannot carry on any food business.

Food Safety Officer P. S. Ajinthekar made a surprise inspection of the bakery on October 7 under the Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra campaign. The inspection brought several shortcomings to light. There were no laboratory reports on the quality of food items and water. There was no food-grade certificate for the material used in repackaging. A technical person with the required qualification was not found on the premises, and there was no stock register.

Negligence was also found in the health and safety of staff. Workers had not undergone annual medical examinations or vaccination. Aprons, gloves and head covers were not being used. The bakery did not have proper arrangements for pest control and cleanliness, and waste had been thrown in the open.

These shortcomings raised serious questions about the safety of the food items. On this ground, Licensing Authority and Assistant Commissioner (Food) Dayanand Vitthal Patil ordered the licence suspended. The food business operator has been directed to remove all the shortcomings and submit a compliance report along with the necessary evidence.

Joint Commissioner Shrikant Karkale has directed food safety officers to keep a close watch on the bakery during the suspension.