Maharashtra FDA Suspends Caterer's License Amid MLA Assault Over Stale Food Claim

The Maharashtra FDA suspended the license of the caterer operating the canteen at the Akashwani MLA hostel in Mumbai after a staffer was assaulted by Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad for allegedly serving stale food. The FDA found violations of food safety regulations during an inspection and directed the caterer to cease operations. Gaikwad claimed he had previously complained about the food quality but no action was taken.

Mumbai, July 2, 2025 - The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suspended the license of Ajanta Caterers, the contractor operating the canteen at the Akashwani MLA hostel in Mumbai. The suspension follows an incident where a Shiv Sena legislator, Sanjay Gaikwad, allegedly assaulted a staffer for serving "stale food." The FDA found violations of food safety regulations during an inspection conducted at the hostel earlier in the day [1].

The FDA's suspension order directs Ajanta Caterers to cease food service operations at the hostel premises starting Thursday, July 10, 2025. The regulator cited violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 [1].

Gaikwad, who represents Buldhana, claimed that he had repeatedly raised concerns about the quality of food served in the canteen but no corrective action was taken. The incident was captured on video and has raised concerns about the misuse of power by legislators [2].

The FDA's action comes after Gaikwad slapped and punched an employee at the MLAs' hostel canteen for serving "stale food." Neither the food contractor nor the employee has filed a police complaint [2].

The suspension of Ajanta Caterers' license is a significant development in the ongoing debate about food safety and the accountability of contractors operating in public facilities. It highlights the need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations and the importance of addressing concerns about food quality promptly.

References:
[1] https://thefederal.com/category/states/west/maharashtra/shiv-sena-maharashtra-mla-hoster-caterer-196111
[2] https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/shiv-sena-mla-sanjay-gaikwad-beats-up-canteen-staff-for-stale-food/articleshow/122349899.cms