Mumbai’s iconic Cafe Mondegar, the 94-year-old Colaba landmark known for its old-world charm and Mario Miranda murals, is facing action from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after officials flagged food safety, hygiene and structural deficiencies during an inspection on September 12.
The suspension of the eatery’s food licence came as part of the FDA’s Ganeshotsav food-safety drive, which saw teams inspect 38 establishments across Mumbai between September 11 and 14. Officials collected 47 food samples and suspended the licences of nine establishments for violations.
A growing concern
The latest action has also raised questions among Mumbaikars about how safe it is to eat out, particularly when violations are found at popular food establishments. “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,” says Madhurima Chatterjee, a media professional from Santacruz.
Dheeraj Gaur, a Powai-based corporate professional, shares, “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.”
For parents, concerns about food safety can be even more pronounced. “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,” says Shilpa Somaiya, an entrepreneur from Parel.
Can scrutiny bring change?
Increased scrutiny has prompted some food businesses to clean up their act. One Mumbai eatery said it had stopped using artificial colour in its sweet chutney, stopped reusing frying oil and stepped up hygiene measures among its staff following FDA action.
Consumers, too, veiw regular inspections as a way of making restaurants more accountable. Harshali Patil, an executive from Matunga, says, “I actually think inspections are a good thing. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has urged consumers not to stop eating out, but to become more mindful. His advice includes checking cleanliness and sanitation and ensuring that an establishment is properly registered and licensed.”
FDA Cracks Down on Food Safety: Licences of Mumbai’s iconic Cafe Mondegar and three other local eateries suspended following severe hygiene violations.
TIMELINE"
June 30: FDA announced action against Flint & Waarsa, NCPA; M.K. Bakery; Hotel Shrikrishna; Hotel Gopal Krishna; Karak Enterprises; and Madras Diaries.
July 7: K. Rustom & Co. became one of the first iconic Mumbai eateries to face action during the crackdown.
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 hit. Inspectors reportedly found fungal growth on stored vegetables and bananas at Poornima.
July 24-27: Food licences or registration certificates of several prominent clubs were suspended, 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 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 of the MCA’s BKC facility, Status Restaurant, Novaara Kitchens, Bajrang Sweet Mart and ASM Hotels and Hospitality Services.
