FDA Shuts 22 Food Stalls at Popular Railway Stations in Mumbai; Here's Why They Were Closed
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and Western Railway shut down 22 railway food stalls in Mumbai over severe hygiene lapses. Bandra led with 11 closures. Inspections uncovered poor-quality food, unclean premises, and missing medical certificates for staff. The FDA separately suspended the licenses of six hotels, clubs, and eateries across the city.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), in a joint operation with the Commercial Department of Western Railway, has shut down 22 food stalls across railway stations in Mumbai due to serious hygiene and quality lapses.
Widespread Action Across Suburban Stations
Bandra station saw the sharpest enforcement action, with 11 stalls ordered closed. Further shutdowns were carried out at Grant Road, Lower Parel, Charni Road, and Marine Lines stations, according to NDTV reports. Tukaram Mundhe Defends Action Against Gurunanak Dairy and Sweets After Bombay High Court Order; Know What He Said.
The inspections uncovered a range of violations, officials said, including poor-quality preparations of popular items such as chole and samosas, unclean stall premises, and the absence of valid medical certificates for food handlers working at the outlets.
Railway Network Inspections and Fines
According to Western Railway, 1,523 routine and surprise inspections were carried out across its network between January and July. Of these, 22 stalls were penalised for violations, with fines totalling INR 1,14,000 imposed on erring vendors during the period.
Crackdown Extends to City Eateries
The crackdown was not confined to railway premises. The FDA separately suspended the licenses of six hotels, clubs, and eateries across Mumbai for serious violations. Action was taken against establishments located in Bandra, Dahisar, Khar, Vile Parle, Marol, and Chembur. Officials cited multiple infractions at these standalone establishments, including the use of adulterated paneer, expired ingredients found on premises, signs of pest infestation, and generally unhygienic operating conditions. Bombay HC Orders FDA to Pay INR 5 Lakh to Pune Sweets Shop Within 30 Days.
Ongoing Enforcement and Passenger Advisory
The joint action comes amid heightened scrutiny of food safety standards in Mumbai and across Maharashtra, with authorities increasingly relying on surprise checks to enforce compliance among railway-based vendors and standalone food establishments alike. Officials confirmed that the drive would continue, with further inspections planned across the suburban network and the wider city in the coming weeks. Passengers relying on railway stalls for quick meals during their commute have been advised to remain alert to hygiene standards, even as the FDA and Western Railway maintain that continued enforcement is aimed at ensuring safer food options at stations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2026 12:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
