FDA Suspends Licence of Mumbai’s Cafe Mondegar Over Hygiene Violations
Inspectors also found improper methods of thawing food and inadequate cooling of cooked items
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the operating licence of Mumbai’s iconic Cafe Mondegar in Colaba following an inspection that found multiple violations of food safety and hygiene standards.
The inspection was conducted on September 12 as part of an intensified enforcement drive across Maharashtra. FDA officials said the restaurant had several deficiencies that could pose a risk of food contamination.
According to the FDA, hot food at the restaurant was not being maintained at the prescribed temperature of above 60 degrees Celsius, while cold food and other perishable items were not stored below 5 degrees Celsius as required.
Inspectors also found improper methods of thawing food and inadequate cooling of cooked items. The establishment was further found to have deficiencies in cleaning and sanitising food preparation equipment.
The FDA also flagged structural and sanitation-related concerns, including moisture damage to the flooring and inadequate drainage near food preparation areas. Officials said these conditions could increase the risk of cross-contamination.
The licence suspension will remain in effect until the restaurant addresses the violations and complies with the prescribed food safety requirements.
The action against Cafe Mondegar was part of a wider crackdown led by Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, with inspections being stepped up at restaurants, hotels, eateries, dairy establishments and sweet shops across the state.
The FDA has also suspended the licences of three other establishments in Mumbai over violations of mandatory hygiene and sanitation requirements under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The establishments include Maharashtra Biryani Centre in Kandivali, Tribhuvan Dairy Farm in Ghatkopar West, and Mahavir Cashew and Foods Pvt Ltd in Ghatkopar East.
The intensified inspections come amid the Ganesh Utsav celebrations, a period when the FDA has increased surveillance to check food adulteration and hygiene violations.
The department has also been conducting inspections at hotels and other food establishments in Greater Mumbai to identify violations and ensure compliance with food safety regulations during the festive season.
