The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the operating licence of Cafe Mondegar, a prominent bar and restaurant located in Colaba, Mumbai, due to significant lapses in food safety and hygiene. The inspection, which was led by FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe, uncovered alarming deficiencies related to the handling and storage of food items. Notably, hot foods were not being maintained at temperatures above the mandated threshold of 60°C, and cold storage practices failed to keep items below 5°C.

Additionally, the FDA identified improper thawing methods and a lack of rapid cooling for cooked food, further highlighting the establishment’s failure to adhere to food safety standards. The inspection also revealed moisture-related damage to the restaurant’s flooring and noted serious inadequacies in the drainage system situated near food preparation areas, creating potential risks for cross-contamination.

The FDA’s findings indicated that food preparation equipment was not receiving the necessary cleaning and sanitisation, prompting immediate action to halt operations until compliance is achieved with food safety regulations. This decision aims to safeguard public health by addressing the critical hygiene issues identified during the inspection.

Festivals Trigger Heightened Food Safety Measures

In light of the ongoing Ganpati Utsav celebrations, Tukaram Mundhe and his team have intensified inspections across Maharashtra. The FDA has been overseeing restaurants, eateries, hotels, and sweet shops, reinforcing food safety protocols amid the festivities. Earlier, on September 13, the FDA reported the seizure of 30 litres of liquid milk and over 4,138 kg of dairy and confectionery products, including khoya, paneer, ghee, and various sweets, all valued at more than Rs 15.5 lakh. This operation forms part of a broader effort to ensure food safety during the festival period.

In Jalna district, the FDA undertook a major operation that led to the confiscation of banned food items worth Rs 1.35 crore, further emphasizing the agency’s commitment to enforcing food safety laws. In addition to the raids on commercial establishments, the FDA has been actively conducting inspections within hotels across Greater Mumbai to identify and address any potential violations involving prohibited food products.

Such initiatives are critical during festivals, when the risk of non-compliance with food safety standards may increase. By ramping up inspections, the FDA aims to maintain public trust and ensure that food served during these important cultural events meets the expected hygiene standards.

Workshops for Food Safety Awareness

Ahead of the Ganeshotsav celebrations, the Greater Mumbai unit of the FDA has organised several workshops aimed at educating office-bearers and workers from various Ganesh mandals about food safety. These workshops focused on ensuring that offerings such as prasad and mahaprasad are prepared and served under hygienic conditions, thereby preventing any health hazards for devotees.

Five workshops were conducted at various venues, with participation from 320 office-bearers and members of associated organisations. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a special workshop titled ‘Sweetness of Modak, with the Assurance of Food Safety’ was designed for around 110 self-help groups involved in the production of modaks.

During the sessions, FDA Assistant Commissioners for Food Safety and Food Safety Officers provided expertise on adherence to Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Guidance was offered with an emphasis on Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring both producers and distributors are well-informed in maintaining food safety as part of the festive observances.

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