FDA Suspends Vashi Restaurant Licence Over Food Safety Violations, Free Drinking Water Rule Breach

Navi Mumbai, 20th July 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of a popular restaurant in Vashi after an inspection revealed multiple violations of food safety regulations, including failure to provide free drinking water to customers as mandated under the rules.

The action was taken against ‘Delhi Se’ restaurant following a complaint filed by a consumer, Anuj Gupta. Acting on the complaint, an FDA team conducted an inspection on July 11 under the guidance of Ajit Maitre, Co-Commissioner of the FDA Konkan Division (Circle 4).

During the inspection, officials found serious lapses in compliance with food safety standards. According to the FDA, the restaurant scored only 59 out of 110 in the food safety assessment, indicating that nearly 46 percent of the prescribed standards were violated. Citing these deficiencies, Food Safety Officer Jyotsna Jadhav from the Turbhe division suspended the restaurant’s licence on July 13, leading to its closure.

Celebrity Promotions Under Scrutiny

The inspection also brought attention to the restaurant’s promotional practices. Authorities noted that the establishment extensively used social media and its website to attract customers by claiming that celebrities, including actress Anushka Sharma, cricketer Virat Kohli, and stand-up comedian Abhishek Upmanyu, frequently visited and enjoyed its food. Promotional photographs featuring Virat Kohli were also reportedly used in advertisements.

Officials said the case highlighted the contrast between aggressive celebrity-based marketing and the restaurant’s failure to comply with basic food safety norms.

Free Drinking Water Rule Violated

The FDA also found that the restaurant was not providing customers with free RO or filtered drinking water, despite it being mandatory under food safety regulations. Instead, bottled water was being sold to customers, and the prices of the bottled water were allegedly not displayed on the restaurant’s menu, raising concerns over transparency and consumer rights.

FDA Appeals to Consumers

Following the action, the FDA urged citizens to report restaurants and food establishments that violate food safety regulations or engage in unfair practices, including denying customers access to free purified drinking water. Officials said public participation is essential to ensure better compliance with food safety standards and protect consumer interests.