Mumbai’s Iconic Cafe Mondegar Faces Licence Suspension After FDA Finds Multiple Hygiene Violations
MUMBAI, September 16, 2026: Mumbai’s well-known Cafe Mondegar in Colaba has faced regulatory action after an inspection by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found several violations related to food safety, hygiene and sanitation.
The FDA has suspended the restaurant’s operating licence following an inspection conducted on September 12, as part of an intensified enforcement campaign being carried out across Maharashtra. Officials said the inspection identified a number of deficiencies that could potentially increase the risk of food contamination and affect food safety.
According to the FDA, one of the key concerns was the way food was being stored and maintained at the establishment. Inspectors found that hot food was not being kept at the prescribed temperature of above 60 degrees Celsius, while cold food and other perishable items were reportedly not being stored below 5 degrees Celsius, as required under food safety norms.
The inspection also highlighted concerns over the methods being used to thaw frozen food. Officials reportedly found that food was not being thawed using appropriate procedures. In addition, cooked food was not being cooled adequately, raising concerns about the safe handling and preservation of prepared items.
Cleaning and sanitation concerns
The FDA also pointed to shortcomings in the cleaning and sanitisation of equipment used in food preparation. Proper cleaning of kitchen equipment and food-contact surfaces is an important part of preventing contamination, and officials found that the restaurant needed to address deficiencies in this area.
Apart from food-handling practices, inspectors also identified structural and sanitation-related issues at the premises.
The inspection reportedly found moisture damage to the flooring as well as inadequate drainage near food preparation areas. According to officials, such conditions could contribute to an increased risk of cross-contamination if they are not properly addressed.
The licence suspension will remain in place until the restaurant takes corrective measures and demonstrates compliance with the prescribed food safety and hygiene requirements.
Action extends beyond Cafe Mondegar
The action against Cafe Mondegar is part of a broader enforcement drive being carried out by the Maharashtra FDA under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
The department has stepped up inspections of restaurants, hotels, eateries, dairy establishments and sweet shops across the state. Officials are checking whether businesses are following mandatory food safety, hygiene and sanitation requirements.
In Mumbai, the FDA has also suspended the licences of three other establishments over alleged violations of mandatory hygiene and sanitation provisions under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The establishments named in the action are Maharashtra Biryani Centre in Kandivali, Tribhuvan Dairy Farm in Ghatkopar West, and Mahavir Cashew and Foods Pvt Ltd in Ghatkopar East.
Increased checks during Ganesh Utsav
The intensified inspections come during the Ganesh Utsav period, when food consumption and demand typically increase across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.
The FDA has increased its surveillance during the festive season to identify cases involving food adulteration, improper storage, unhygienic preparation practices and other violations of food safety regulations.
Officials have also been carrying out inspections at hotels and other food establishments across Greater Mumbai, with the aim of ensuring that businesses comply with prescribed safety standards.
For Cafe Mondegar, the suspension means the restaurant will have to address the violations identified during the September 12 inspection before its licence can be restored. The FDA’s action underscores the importance of maintaining proper food temperatures, safe handling procedures, clean preparation areas and adequate sanitation at establishments serving food to the public.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
