If you run a restaurant, cloud kitchen, cafe, bakery or even home food business, this Mumbai news is for you.
In the last few weeks, even big brands lost their license. Not small stalls. Domino's and Pizza Hut. If they can lose it, anyone can.
Let me explain what happened, why it happened, and how you can keep your business safe.
1. What Actually Happened in Mumbai
Maharashtra got a new food safety chief, Tukaram Mundhe, 51 years old. Since May, he has started a massive crackdown in Mumbai.
His team has done over 3,000 raids in Mumbai alone. He has led the suspension of food permits of four Domino's and one Pizza Hut outlet in recent weeks.
Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, has seen its new food safety chief conduct raids and shut popular eateries, making him a social media sensation.
This is not just about restaurants. The latest raids are now targeting the quick commerce sector, where companies deliver groceries within minutes. That means Swiggy, Zepto, and big warehouse brands are also being checked.
On Tuesday alone, food officers inspected more than 100 outlets and issued improvement notices to 95 of them. The official reason given is hygiene lapses.
Videos of these raids are going viral on Instagram and X.
2. Why It Really Happened
It is not just about one dirty kitchen. Three reasons:
First, rules were ignored for years. FSSAI rules exist but enforcement was low. Many kitchens never followed temperature logs, expiry checks, or pest control.
Second, customer complaints increased. People are now posting photos of cockroaches, expired cheese, and rats in kitchen. Government had to act.
Third, new officer, new system. When a new strict officer comes, he wants to show results. So he starts with famous places to get attention. That is why even big brands are targeted.
So this is not a one-time news. This is a new way of working.
3. How This Affects You If You Run a Food Business
Even if you are in Hyderabad, Bangalore or Delhi, this affects you directly.
If you run a cloud kitchen: You are at highest risk. FDA can seal your kitchen without warning. You don't have dine-in customers to defend you. One complaint on Swiggy and inspection can come.
If you run a cafe, bakery, small restaurant: If your FSSAI license is suspended, you are legally barred from purchasing, preparing or selling food until re-inspection is cleared. You cannot operate.
If you run a home food business: Many think FSSAI is not needed. But if you sell on Instagram or WhatsApp and turnover is above Rs 12 lakh, you need registration. Raids are happening on home kitchens too.
If you work as kitchen staff: You can lose your job for 15 to 20 days if license is suspended.
4. What Will Happen in Next 6 to 12 Months
This Mumbai model will come to your city. Here is what will happen:
1. More surprise checks in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi. After Mumbai gets attention, other states follow the same pattern.
2. Swiggy and Zomato will show hygiene rating. Like they show delivery time, they will have to show FSSAI hygiene score. Low score shops will get less orders.
3. Customers will ask for video of kitchen. Already happening. Customers ask for live kitchen video before placing bulk orders.
4. Fines will increase. Right now they give improvement notice. In future, direct suspension and Rs 2 to 5 lakh fine.
So waiting is not an option. You have to fix your kitchen now.
5. How to Escape and Keep Your License Safe - Free Steps
Do these 5 things today. It costs zero money.
A. 15-Point Daily Checklist That FDA Actually Checks
Print this and stick in your kitchen. Check every morning:
1. FSSAI license displayed at entrance
2. All staff wearing head cap, gloves, apron
3. Nails cut, no open wounds
4. Dustbins with lids and foot pedal
5. Raw and cooked food stored separately
6. Veg and non-veg cut on separate boards
7. Expiry dates checked for milk, paneer, cheese, sauces
8. No expired product in fridge
9. Fridge temperature 4 degrees or below, freezer -18
10. Pest control sticker and bill available
11. Water source clean, RO service done
12. Cleaning chemicals stored away from food
13. All food items covered, not open
14. Hand wash soap and towel near sink
15. Bill and invoice for all raw materials from last 30 days
If you tick these daily, you will pass 90 percent of inspection.
B. How to Keep Your FSSAI Documents Ready in One File
Make one red file. Keep inside:
- FSSAI license copy and renewal date reminder
- Medical fitness certificates of all staff, valid for 1 year
- Pest control bill, last 3 months
- Water test report, once a year
- Temperature log book, daily
- Supplier bills, last 1 month
When officer comes, give this file first. It shows you are serious. Officers give less fine to organized owners.
C. What to Do If FDA Officer Comes for Raid
1. Don't panic and don't argue. Be respectful.
2. Ask for his ID card. Note his name.
3. Don't stop him from taking video or sample. You cannot stop.
4. If he asks you to stop cooking, stop immediately.
5. If he gives improvement notice, read it properly. It has 14 days time to fix.
6. If he suspends license, ask for written order with reason. Take photo.
7. Do not pay any cash on spot. All fines are online via government portal.
8. After he leaves, fix all points and call him for re-inspection. Don't wait.
D. Free Fridge Temperature Log Sheet - Make This Today
Take a notebook. Make columns: Date | Morning Fridge Temp | Evening Fridge Temp | Freezer Temp | Signature.
Write twice daily. This one book has saved many restaurants. FDA officers first check this. If you have it, they know you follow rules.
Ideal temp: Fridge 0 to 4 degrees, Freezer -18 or below. If power cut, don't open fridge.
E. How to Train Your Staff in 30 Minutes
You don't need big training. Do this tomorrow morning:
10 mins: Show them this 15-point checklist. Explain why each point matters.
10 mins: Show how to wear gloves, cap, and wash hands properly, 20 seconds with soap.
10 mins: Tell them what to say if officer comes: Sir, owner will come, please check our file.
Repeat every Monday. That is it.
Final Words
Big brands lost license not because they didn't have money. They lost because they ignored basic hygiene.
You don't need money to fix this. You need discipline. Start with the checklist from today.
If you run a food business in Hyderabad or anywhere in India, save this blog and share it with your staff.
FAQ
Q. Why were Domino's and Pizza Hut licenses cancelled in Mumbai?
Due to hygiene lapses found during FDA raids led by new food safety chief Tukaram Mundhe.
Q. How many raids happened in Mumbai?
Over 3,000 raids since May 2026.
Q. Can FDA raid cloud kitchens?
Yes, cloud kitchens and quick commerce warehouses are now being targeted.
Q. What is the fine for FSSAI violation?
Improvement notice first, then suspension, then fine up to Rs 5 lakh depending on violation.