Pune’s food and drug administration has suspended the business licences of the popular Vaishali and Rupali restaurants on Fergusson College Road after inspections found multiple food-safety and hygiene violations, according to a report by Pudhari – Pune. Both establishments have been barred from serving food, offering takeaway or providing home delivery until the identified deficiencies are rectified and written permission is issued after reinspection.
Food safety officer Ajinkya Subhash Umap inspected Vaishali on 13 November 2026. The restaurant scored 58 out of 98 in the inspection, with the report citing shortcomings in kitchen space, food storage, sanitation and handling practices. A freezer used for raw materials was found near the women’s toilet, while the griddle used to prepare dosa and uttapam was located near the men’s toilet.
The inspection also found washed utensils placed on a table outside a toilet and cooked rice, boiled potatoes and other prepared food kept in an open corridor. The preparation of idli and dosa batter was reportedly not being carried out in a safe area. Cut raw vegetables were stored directly above prepared food, creating a potential risk of cross-contamination between raw and cooked ingredients.
The report said Vaishali had also been inspected in June 2026 and issued a notice to make improvements. The FDA’s latest action followed the finding that serious deficiencies continued to exist. The licence suspension means the restaurant cannot resume food-related commercial activity until the department is satisfied that the violations have been addressed.
Rupali Restaurant was inspected on 13 November by food safety officer A. D. Zanjurne. Inspectors reportedly found an open and unsafe kitchen, with the condition of the premises allowing the possible entry of dust, dirt and insects into food areas. Standing water, inadequate cleaning and improper waste disposal were also recorded during the inspection.
The restaurant was also found to be storing raw materials, semi-prepared food and cooked items without adequate covering. Some food items did not carry the required labels or use-by dates, while raw and cooked food was not being kept separately. Records showing the temperatures at which food was stored were reportedly unavailable. These findings led to the suspension of Rupali’s licence.
The action was carried out under the guidance of FDA joint commissioner Shrikant R. Karkale and on the orders of assistant commissioner for food Syed Imran Hashmi, the report said. The department has instructed both restaurants to correct the deficiencies before seeking another inspection.
The restaurants will be allowed to resume operations only after a reinspection establishes compliance with food-safety requirements and the FDA provides written approval. Until then, the suspension applies to dine-in food sales as well as takeaway and home-delivery services, according to the report.
