Mumbai's iconic Café Mondegar loses licence over food safety violations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of Café Mondegar, the storied Mumbai establishment, following an inspection that revealed food safety violations. The suspension marks a significant action against one of the city's most recognisable dining venues, which has long been a fixture in Fort's commercial district.

The enforcement action against Café Mondegar formed part of a larger food safety drive conducted by the FDA across Greater Mumbai between September 11 and 14. During this four-day campaign, authorities inspected multiple food establishments, identifying violations related to hygiene standards and food handling practices.

The broader crackdown underscores regulatory efforts to tighten food safety compliance ahead of the festive season, when dining establishments typically see increased customer footfall. The FDA's enforcement drive targeted eateries across the metropolitan region, reflecting heightened scrutiny of food service operations.

The suspension of Café Mondegar's licence represents one of the most prominent outcomes of the campaign, signalling the FDA's commitment to ensuring compliance with food safety regulations regardless of an establishment's reputation or operational history. The exact nature of the safety lapses identified during the inspection has not been detailed.