The Pune division of the Food and Drug Administration has suspended the FSSAI registration of a Punjabi dhaba in Lohgaon after an inspection found hygiene and food safety deficiencies, while warning restaurants, hotels, dhabas, sweet manufacturers and farsan producers against using unauthorised food colours.
The inspection of Punjabi Dhaba was conducted on October 8 by Food Safety Officer Priyanka Magar, according to a press note issued by the FDA. The department said concerns over food colours were considered along with other serious non-compliances before the establishment’s FSSAI registration was suspended with immediate effect.
The FDA said food businesses preparing ready-to-eat items must not use food colours unless their use is specifically permitted for the relevant food category under applicable Food Safety and Standards Authority of India regulations. Where a colour is permitted, businesses must also remain within the prescribed limit.
The warning applies particularly to sweet and farsan manufacturers, which the department directed to maintain clear records and control over the colours used in their products. Operators must know the exact name and type of each colour, whether it is permitted under FSSAI regulations, whether it is allowed in the particular product and the maximum permissible limit for that category.
The department said describing a product simply as containing a “permitted food colour” would not be sufficient. Food business operators must be able to demonstrate control over the identity and quantity of the colour used and show that its use complies with the applicable limit.
The FDA warned that establishments using unauthorised colours, exceeding permitted limits or failing to establish the identity and quantity of colours could face regulatory action. Depending on the circumstances, this could include suspension of FSSAI licences or registrations and prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable regulations.
The action places responsibility on Pune’s food businesses to maintain compliance not only at the point of sale but also in the preparation and production processes. For consumers, the inspection highlights the role of routine regulatory checks in addressing hygiene failures and the uncontrolled use of additives in ready-to-eat food, sweets and savoury products.
The FDA urged food businesses to prepare and sell food in accordance with safety standards and not compromise those standards to improve the colour, appearance or attractiveness of products. The department’s warning covers hotels, restaurants, dhabas, sweet manufacturers and farsan producers across the Pune division.
