Pune: Cockroaches, Rat Droppings Found in New Poona Club Kitchen; FDA Suspends Licence
Pune, 18th September 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of The New Poona Club in Camp after an inspection found serious food safety and hygiene violations in its kitchen.
An FDA inspection team found live cockroaches and other insects in food preparation and storage areas, rat droppings on the kitchen floor, stagnant wastewater and greasy surfaces. An unhygienic toilet was also found adjacent to the refrigerator used for storing food, officials said.
The inspection revealed multiple violations of the basic hygiene requirements under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards regulations. Citing the potential risk to public health, the FDA suspended the club’s food licence with immediate effect.
The action was part of a special food safety drive conducted by the Pune FDA from September 10 to 15 ahead of Ganeshotsav and the upcoming festive season. The drive focused on checking food establishments and preventing adulteration in sweets, khoya, edible oil and other food products.
During the campaign, FDA officials inspected hotels, sweet shops, bakeries and restaurants in Pune city, its suburbs and rural areas, including Hadapsar, Mohammadwadi, Wanowrie, Kondhwa, Camp, Daund, Manchar and Shirur.
A total of 14 food establishments faced action during the drive. Officials found deficiencies in mandatory labelling, misleading information on food packages and suspected adulteration. Food stock worth around Rs 56.36 lakh was seized during the inspections.
FDA officials said establishments compromising food safety and public health would face action and such inspections would continue during the festive season.
