FDA seals INOX R City Mall’s snack bars for five days amid safety probe

The food and beverage counters at INOX multiplex in R City Mall, Ghatkopar, were sealed by Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration on October 9, and remained closed until October 13. The FDA team said the area was shut because the multiplex failed to meet certain food‑safety and hygiene rules. Despite the closure, the cinema kept showing movies but could not sell snacks or drinks to viewers. Some reports say the management let customers bring in outside food, a practice usually forbidden, though this could not be verified. The action comes after Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who took charge in May 2026, began a wider crackdown on eateries and quick‑commerce dark stores for alleged safety breaches. His strict approach has drawn public praise and has led to inspections across the state. The five‑day ban hit a key revenue stream, as food and beverage sales normally contribute heavily to a multiplex’s earnings. The FDA did not disclose the specific violations that triggered the seal. The episode highlights the agency’s intensified focus on food safety in public venues under Mundhe’s leadership.

Context

The FDA enforces food‑safety standards for all establishments serving food in Maharashtra, and its inspections can affect venues ranging from restaurants to cinema snack bars. This reflects a broader state effort to raise public health standards.