Cockroach found in patient’s meal; FDA flags violations, shuts Thane hospital canteen

Thane: The canteen at the civic-run Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa has been shut after a patient allegedly found a cockroach in his dinner, prompting a Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection that uncovered multiple food safety violations.

The canteen will remain closed until the inspection process is completed and the FDA grants permission for it to reopen, hospital Dean Dr Swapnali Kadam said on Friday.

The incident was reported on August 28 by a patient admitted to the hospital for eye surgery. The patient complained after allegedly finding a cockroach in his dinner plate.

The incident triggered a protest by members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who demonstrated at the Dean's office and accused the hospital authorities of negligence.

Following the protest, FDA officials inspected the hospital kitchen and found several violations of food safety norms. The findings led to the immediate suspension of canteen services.

The FDA has also initiated action against Ram Caterers, the contractor operating the canteen.

Dr Kadam said the contractor will not be permitted to restart operations without formal clearance from the FDA.

In the meantime, the hospital has made alternative arrangements to provide meals to patients, she said.