FDA suspends licenses of Pune's Vaishali and Rupali restaurants; what they found

The Pune Food and Drug Administration had suspended the business licenses of two prominent restaurants on Fergusson College Road, Hotel Vaishali and Rupali, with immediate effect after an inspection revealed that there were serious violations of food safety standards. 

The officials observed that the food storage in the Hotel Vaishali was extremely unhygienic and dangerous, with limited space. 

The freezer for storing raw materials, for example, was placed next to the women’s toilet, while the Tawa for making dosa and uttapa was kept next to the men’s toilet. 

Washed utensils were also found kept on a table in front of the toilet. Boiled potatoes, cooked rice, and other food items were kept in the open corridor. Raw cut vegetables were placed directly on top of ready-to-eat foods.

There were also no insect-proof doors, temperature records, or up-to-date drinking water test reports available.

The inspection of the hotel was conducted on November 13, 2026. The establishment scored only 58 out of 98 points. The result was recorded as Non-compliance. 

 The officials also found that unsanitary conditions, improper food storage and a lack of necessary documents were also found in Rupali Restaurant.

The kitchen was found to be open and unsafe. There was a possibility of dust, dirt, and insects entering the restaurant.     

There was also waterlogging, inadequate cleaning and improper waste management in the area. 

Raw materials and semi-processed and finished foods were stored without proper covering and labelling and use-by dates.      

The action against the restaurants was taken under the guidance of Joint Commissioner Shrikant R. Karkale and on the orders of Designated Officer and Assistant Commissioner (Food) Syed Imran Hashmi. They were initially handed notices. However, after observing that no action was taken, they were issued the licence suspension.                              

The establishments are now strictly prohibited from carrying out any kind of food business till all the serious deficiencies are completely addressed.