Cafe Mondegar In Colaba Faces FDA Action Over Serious Hygiene Violations; Licence Suspended

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against the Colaba restaurant Cafe Mondegar, suspending its licence following a recent inspection that uncovered serious food safety and hygiene violations. The decision came as part of the FDA's special food-safety drive ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival.

During the inspection on September 12, officials from the FDA identified multiple issues with the restaurant's food storage, handling, sanitation, and kitchen conditions. These concerns included improper temperature control, inadequate drainage, and cleaning practices that did not meet prescribed standards.

Specific problems identified by the inspectors included inadequate temperature control for hot and cold foods, improper thawing methods, and insufficient rapid cooling of cooked food. The inspection team, led by the FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe, also found moisture-related damage to the restaurant's flooring and an inadequate drainage system near the food preparation area, posing a risk of cross-contamination.

Furthermore, the FDA discovered that kitchen equipment was not being cleaned and sanitized properly, which can heighten the risk of contamination and compromise food safety. These findings led to the suspension of Cafe Mondegar's food licence.

Cafe Mondegar is a renowned dining establishment in Colaba, known for its heritage food and nightlife scene. The FDA's action against the restaurant is part of a broader initiative to enforce stricter hygiene and safety standards in food establishments across Mumbai ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival.