Cafe Mondegar Faces FDA Action Over Food Safety Gaps

Mumbai’s landmark Cafe Mondegar is facing regulatory action after a Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection uncovered gaps in food handling, storage and kitchen hygiene. They have suspended the restaurant’s food licence following the inspection.

A team led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe found that prepared hot food was not being held at the required temperature of 60°C or above. Cold storage was also recorded at temperatures higher than the prescribed limit of below 5°C. The inspection highlighted further shortcomings in food handling, including improper thawing and inadequate cooling of cooked food.

The FDA also raised concerns about the restaurant’s kitchen infrastructure. Moisture damage was found on the flooring, while drainage facilities around the food preparation area were considered inadequate, creating a potential cross-contamination risk. Cleaning and sanitisation of kitchen equipment were also found to be below the required standards, according to the inspection.

Cafe Mondegar, established in 1932, is among Mumbai’s best-known Irani cafes and has become a part of the city’s dining heritage. Its Colaba outlet is particularly recognised for its walls featuring the distinctive cartoons of late artist Mario Miranda. 

The action places the spotlight on the operational and food-safety compliance challenges that long-running restaurants must continue to address, irrespective of their legacy or popularity.