Pune, Nov. 15 -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday suspended the food business licences of two of Pune's best-known restaurants, Vaishali and Roopali on Ferguson College Road, with immediate effect after inspections found serious violations of food safety standards. The action was taken as per section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Officials said both food business operators must stop selling food, including through takeaway and home delivery, until they fix the deficiencies and receive written clearance from the FDA department. The FDA commissioner, Tukaram Mundhe, initiated the action under the 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign. Inspectors examined both establishments on November 13 and found serious lapses related to kitchen hygiene, food storage, cross-contamination risks and mandatory safety records. Joint commissioner Shrikant R Karkale said, "The FDA has directed both establishments to rectify the deficiencies and undergo fresh inspections. They cannot resume any food business activity until they meet the prescribed food safety standards and receive written permission from the department. The suspension covers all food sales, including takeaway orders and home delivery." Food safety officer Ajinkya Subhash Umap inspected Vaishali hotel and recorded a score of 58 out of 98 during the inspection, putting it in the 'non-compliant' category. Furthermore, the inspection found that the kitchen had inadequate space, with freezers used to store raw materials placed next to the women's toilet. The dosa and uttappa griddle was located beside the men's toilet, while washed utensils were kept on a table outside the toilet. Other deficiencies included the absence of insect-proof doors in the kitchen, missing temperature records and an updated drinking water test report. A valid Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC)-trained supervisor was also not present during the inspection. Roopali was inspected by food safety officer AD Zanjurne on November 13. The restaurant's kitchen was found open and inadequately protected against dust, dirt and insects. Water stagnation, poor cleaning and improper waste disposal were also reported. Furthermore, raw materials, semi-processed food and ready-to-eat items were found stored without proper covering and without labels or 'use by' dates. Nikita Jagannath Shetty, from Vaishali, said, "We will meet the compliance asked by the FDA and try to complete it at the earliest and start the hotel." Shashindra Shetty, who manages Roopali, said: "The FDA conducted the inspection and immediately asked us to stop operations. They should atleast have issued a notice and given some time to meet the compliance."...