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Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration clears Pune’s Café Goodluck after hygiene scare

Last Monday, FDA temporarily suspended the license of Cafe Goodluck in Pune due to unhygienic conditions at the restaurant.

FDA temporarily suspended the license of Cafe Goodluck in the Deccan Gymkhana area of Pune due to unhygienic conditions at the restaurant. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Thursday cleared the popular Cafe Goodluck, and issued an order to revoke the suspension of its licence after a re-inspection found that the iconic eatery had complied with general hygienic and sanitary practices.

Last Monday, FDA temporarily suspended the license of Cafe Goodluck in the Deccan Gymkhana area of Pune due to unhygienic conditions at the restaurant. The Authority directed the restaurant to stop operations until it complied with food safety regulations. The action came after a video purportedly showing glass pieces in a bun at one of the city’s oldest restaurants was widely shared on social media.

Suresh Annapure, Joint Commissioner, FDA, Pune division, said food safety officers had conducted another inspection. “We found that the restaurant had met the compliance standards as per Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI),” Annapure said.

While FDA authorities took cognisance of the viral video, food safety inspectors immediately visited the restaurant, conducted an inspection and found unhygienic conditions, leading to the suspension until further notice and compliance with necessary standards.

Schedule 4 of FSSAI outlines the requirements for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for food handling, processing, storage and distribution that ensures food safety and public health. FDA uses the Schedule 4 guidelines to conduct inspections and ensure compliance by food businesses.

“This is critical for maintaining food safety standards and protecting consumers from food-borne illness,” Annapure said.

Food safety officers also emphasised the importance of maintaining the premises to prevent contamination and ensuring that food handlers maintain proper hygiene. The utensils used also need to be suitable for handling the food, and effective systems must be in place for disposing of food waste, food safety operators said.

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The iconic cafe is renowned for its diverse menu, featuring items such as bun maska and chai, egg dishes, biryanis, and keema.

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