Maharashtra’s Iconic Establishments That Came Under Tukaram Mundhe's FDA Scanner

Tukaram Mundhe is an IAS officer (2005 batch) and the current FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Commissioner of Maharashtra (popularly referred to as the FDA Chief). During his tenure, he has taken on the challenge of overhauling the city’s food landscape by conducting routine checks and making swift decisions and seems like a bureaucrat on a mission. As per reports, since he started in May, he has conducted over 3,000 raids. Here are some of the famous establishments that have had their licenses suspended or revoked as a result.

One of Mumbai’s oldest dairy farms, running for over 100 years (since 1916), the Parsi Dairy Farm produces milk, dairy, ghee, sweets, and butter, among other dairy products. The farm had its FSSAI license suspended on July 16, 2026, after a July 14 inspection revealed hygiene and safety violations, including fungal and mould growth, improper storage, pest issues, and labelling problems. However, the dairy resumed operations later that month after fixing the issues and meeting regulatory requirements. 

K Rustom & Co is a multi-award-winning, 70-year-old ice cream parlour known for its ice-cream sandwiches. It was also one of the eateries that lost its license in the statewide FDA inspection carried out between July 7 and July 8, 2026. The violations reported severe hygiene violations, including the presence of rodents and expired ingredients. The shop needs to correct all safety and sanitation deficiencies and await clearance from fresh laboratory and regulatory inspections before the license can be formally restored.

The iconic Shalimar Restaurant opened its gates 56 years ago as a 500-sq-ft cold drink house. Today, it’s a 15,000-sq-ft Mughlai restaurant, known for its nalli nihari, ran masala, falooda, and more. It shut down in July but reopened its doors in August. The establishment failed to comply with the safety orders twice: the first food inspection was conducted in April, and the second, a re-inspection, in July. The re-inspection found that 25 major deficiencies identified in April had still not been addressed. Consequently, the FDA suspended its licence on July 14. Operations resumed after the FDA lifted the suspension following completed renovations and compliance upgrades.

Noor Mohammadi Hotel shares its location with Shalimar Restaurant (Bhendi Bazaar, for both), and sadly, a suspension as well. Known for its biryani, Chicken Sanju Baba, and Mughal food in general, the hotel had its license suspended in July over health violations. Reports say these violations included improper drainage, unhygienic storage of raw materials, lack of records, and a widespread presence of flies, insects, and birds inside the preparation area. It reopened in early August, but the suspension has only been stayed and not revoked. To lift the suspension, the restaurant must submit food sample test reports and await the results.

With its simple, no-frills diner setup, Rehmani Restaurant is widely considered one of the city’s most iconic establishments, renowned for dishes like the Seekh Paratha, Tandoori Chicken, and more. In July 2026, FDA inspectors found doors without insect-proof protection, rusted equipment, inadequate storage, and missing mandatory food testing records, among other violations. Consequently, the eatery’s license was suspended.

Apart from independent restaurants and eateries, FSSAI licenses of food operators at several club canteens were also suspended due to violations. These included Cricket Club of India, RK Juhu Gymkhana, Aparna Juhu Gymkhana and Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana. Common violations included poor personal hygiene standards, improper storage of raw materials, and pest infestation.

Apart from these iconic institutions, quick-commerce warehouses and dark stores have also come under the FDA scanner, and their licenses have been suspended. The scans don’t come without cause; reports suggest that since 2020, 20% of food samples tested annually were found to be unsafe or substandard. Some institutions have already started fixing the issues and have even received stay orders on the suspensions, allowing them to reopen and operate. However, many others remain shut.

These establishments were just the start. The FDA has also taken a strict approach to the hygiene and quality of food sold by street food vendors, with a special focus on eateries located near schools and colleges. Several reports suggest that the FDA is also monitoring street food vendors and Ayurvedic drug manufacturers, checking for proper licenses and violations (incorrect labelling, hygiene, product handling, etc.) that may compromise drug safety or public health.