The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the licence of Mumbai’s iconic Cafe Mondegar after an inspection found several food safety and hygiene violations. The Colaba restaurant was inspected on September 12 as part of an intensified festival-season food safety drive. Officials reported problems with food temperature control, thawing and cooling practices, drainage, flooring and equipment sanitation. The action was taken under the Maharashtra FDA led by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. The department has also intensified inspections of restaurants, eateries, hotels and sweet shops during Ganeshotsav.Why Was Cafe Mondegar Suspended?The Cafe Mondegar licence suspension followed an inspection in which FDA officials identified multiple deficiencies linked to food handling and hygiene. According to the FDA findings, hot food was not maintained above the required 60°C, while cold storage was not maintained below 5°C. Officials also found improper thawing and inadequate rapid cooling of cooked food.Hot food was found below the prescribed 60°C level.Cold storage was above the required 5°C level.Improper thawing and cooling practices were reported.Drainage near food preparation areas was inadequate.Food equipment was not properly cleaned and sanitised.FDA Finds Multiple Safety LapsesThe inspection also highlighted structural and sanitation concerns at the Colaba restaurant. FDA officials reported moisture-related damage to the flooring and said the drainage system close to food preparation areas was inadequate, creating a potential cross-contamination risk. Equipment used for food preparation and storage was also found to require better cleaning and sanitisation.Cafe Mondegar is a well-known Mumbai establishment dating back to 1932 and is particularly recognised for its Colaba location and Mario Miranda murals. The licence action therefore comes against a restaurant with a long history in the city, but the FDA's inspection focused on current food safety and hygiene compliance rather than the establishment's history.Also Read: Medical Device Prices India: Maharashtra FDA Flags 2,841% Hospital MarkupGaneshotsav Inspections IntensifyThe Cafe Mondegar action is part of a wider Maharashtra FDA campaign during the festive period. The department has increased checks at restaurants, hotels, bakeries, dairy outlets and sweet shops amid concerns about food adulteration and unsafe handling during Ganeshotsav. Four Mumbai food establishments had their licences suspended following the latest inspections.The department has also focused on food served at Ganesh mandals. Five awareness workshops were conducted for around 320 Ganesh mandal office-bearers and related members. In another FDA-BMC initiative, around 110 self-help groups involved in making modaks received guidance on hygiene, manufacturing practices and preventing cross-contamination.Key HighlightsCafe Mondegar’s food licence has been suspended by Maharashtra FDA.The inspection took place on September 12 in Colaba.Temperature-control and food-handling deficiencies were reported.Officials flagged drainage, flooring and sanitation concerns.The action is part of a wider Ganeshotsav food safety drive.FDA and BMC have also conducted food-safety awareness workshops.FDA Continues Mumbai Food ChecksThe Cafe Mondegar case highlights the Maharashtra FDA’s intensified inspections during the festival season. The department is checking whether food businesses follow required hygiene, storage and preparation standards. Licence suspension is one of the enforcement measures being used when serious deficiencies are found. The affected establishments are expected to address the identified problems and meet applicable food-safety requirements before regulatory action can be reconsidered.Disclaimer: This content is provided only for knowledge purposes and to provide news information.
