McDonald's, Court Cafeteria Shut Down as Hygiene Crackdown Sweeps India

A senior food safety official in India has become a national figure for his uncompromising stance on hygiene and food safety, leading to high-profile closures of major food chains. Tukaram Mundhe, who took charge of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May, has conducted over 3,000 inspections, resulting in the suspension of operating licenses for numerous restaurants, hotels, and food storage facilities.

Recent actions include shutting down four Domino's Pizza outlets and one Pizza Hut for hygiene violations. Mundhe also banned the traditional practice of wrapping Mumbai's popular street food, 'Vada Pav,' in newspapers, a move welcomed by consumers concerned about food safety. His inspections have uncovered issues such as "live insect activity (cockroaches)" and "rotting food."

Mundhe's enforcement style is characterized by transparency, with his team releasing detailed statements and photographic evidence of violations, including images of pests and expired products circulating widely on social media. This has resonated with the public, who have long expressed dissatisfaction with food safety standards. Even a court-ordered inspection of a cafeteria within the Mumbai High Court's premises led to the closure of some operations for running without a license.

While supporters view Mundhe as a dedicated public servant, his aggressive methods have drawn criticism from some businesses and led to legal challenges. Some companies have filed lawsuits, alleging that his department's actions are overly harsh and do not allow sufficient time for improvements. Mundhe, however, maintains that those who do not follow regulations must face consequences, stating, "It is a matter of people's lives."

Despite the pushback, Mundhe's crackdown appears to be driving change. A Reuters visit to various eateries found some vendors switching to natural colorings, changing frying oil more frequently, and implementing hygiene protocols like wearing gloves and hairnets. Consumer insights suggest a deep-seated frustration with the status quo, with Mundhe's actions providing a sense of hope.