Mumbai’s iconic Café Mondegar is among the latest establishments to face action from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), putting renewed focus on food safety and hygiene standards across the city’s restaurants and eateries.
The 94-year-old Colaba landmark, known for its old-world charm and distinctive Mario Miranda murals, had its food licence suspended following an FDA inspection on September 12. Officials reported several deficiencies, including problems with temperature control, improper thawing and cooling of food, damp flooring, inadequate drainage near food preparation areas and insufficient equipment sanitisation.
The action was part of the FDA’s intensified food-safety inspections during the Ganeshotsav period. According to the FDA, teams inspected 38 establishments across Mumbai between September 11 and 14, collected 47 food samples and suspended the licences of nine establishments found violating food-safety requirements.
Growing concerns among diners
The action against a well-known establishment such as Café Mondegar has prompted some Mumbaikars to take a closer look at the hygiene standards followed by restaurants and other food outlets.
“We eat out so often, but now, after seeing what the FDA is finding in some kitchens, I am becoming a little wary. It is bothering me,” said Madhurima Chatterjee, a media professional from Santacruz.
Dheeraj Gaur, a corporate professional from Powai, said the recent inspections were particularly concerning because the action was not limited to small or lesser-known eateries.
“What shocked me is that these are not only small roadside eateries. We are hearing about clubs and well-known brands too. It makes you wonder how much we actually know about the food we are being served,” he said.
For parents, food safety can be an even greater concern when dining out with children.
“When I eat out alone, I may take a chance. But with my child, I am more careful. I want to know that the food is fresh and that the place follows basic hygiene,” said Shilpa Somaiya, an entrepreneur from Parel.
Can increased scrutiny improve standards?
The continuing inspections have also encouraged some food businesses to review their practices. One Mumbai eatery said it had stopped using artificial colouring in its sweet chutney, discontinued the reuse of frying oil and strengthened hygiene measures among its staff following FDA action.
Consumers have also welcomed regular inspections as a means of encouraging restaurants to comply with food-safety regulations.
Harshali Patil, an executive from Matunga, said inspections were necessary to ensure greater accountability. She referred to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s advice that consumers need not stop eating out, but should remain more vigilant about cleanliness, sanitation and whether an establishment is properly registered and licensed.
The FDA’s recent action follows a broader enforcement campaign across Mumbai that has involved restaurants, clubs, food chains, bakeries, dairies and delivery-linked food businesses. The crackdown has brought several prominent establishments under the regulator’s scrutiny.
Timeline of the FDA crackdown
June 30: The FDA announced action against establishments including Flint & Waarsa at NCPA, M.K. Bakery, Hotel Shrikrishna, Hotel Gopal Krishna, Karak Enterprises and Madras Diaries.
July 7: K. Rustom & Co. became one of the prominent Mumbai eateries to face regulatory action.
July 13-14: Action followed against Shalimar Hospitality, Noor Mohammadi Hotel and Rehmania Restaurant.
July 16 onwards: Parsi Dairy Farm and Poornima Restaurant were among the establishments facing action. Inspectors reportedly found fungal growth on stored vegetables and bananas at Poornima.
July 24-27: Several prominent clubs faced action, including CCI, RK Juhu Gymkhana, MIG Cricket Club, Aparna Juhu Gymkhana, Willingdon Sports Club and Goregaon Sports Club.
August: Domino’s outlets in Vile Parle West, Borivali West and R-City Mall faced FDA action.
August 15: Food outlets linked to Blinkit, Instamart and Zepto, along with Bhagwati Stores, faced suspension.
August 18-20: Action was taken against establishments including Otters Club, Daily Fresh Bakers, Prince of Wales Restaurant, Cafe Sifarish, Zepto Chembur, Hotel Radha and Janata Tawa and Grill.
August 21-22: Bombay Presidency Radio Club, McDonald’s Metro House, Khar Gymkhana and several other establishments faced action. The FDA also suspended food-business licences at the MCA’s BKC facility, Status Restaurant, Novaara Kitchens, Bajrang Sweet Mart and ASM Hotels and Hospitality Services.
The latest inspections underline the regulator’s continuing focus on food safety during the festive season. For diners, the growing scrutiny has also brought greater attention to basic hygiene, food handling, storage and sanitation practices at establishments across Mumbai.
