FDA Shuts Down ISKCON Juhu’s Govinda Restaurant Over Hygiene Lapses

Earlier this week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) swung its doors open on the kitchen of the Govinda Restaurant, the dining arm of the Prabhu Radha Krishna ISKCON temple in Juhu, Mumbai. It was part of a broader sweep of well‑known eateries, but the findings here turned out to be especially stark.

Inspectors reported a string of hygiene irregularities – from sticky floors and unclean cooking surfaces to storage practices that fell short of the board’s standards. Food‑handling gloves were missing in several stations, and traces of pest activity were noted in the pantry area. In short, the overall cleanliness of the kitchen did not meet the basic sanitary norms the FDA expects from any public food‑service establishment.

As a result, the FDA issued an official notice to the restaurant and, within hours, cancelled its operating licence. The decision means the Govinda Restaurant must remain closed until every shortfall is corrected and the kitchen passes a fresh inspection.

ISKCON’s spokesperson reacted promptly, saying the organization is “fully committed to cooperating with the authorities” and will “implement all required improvements without delay.” They added that the kitchen will stay shut until the FDA is satisfied that every regulation has been reinstated.

For devotees and regular diners, the closure is an inconvenience, but health officials stress that it’s a necessary step to protect public safety. The temple has promised to keep the community informed as it works through the remediation process and hopes to reopen the dining hall once compliance is verified.