The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has put five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association's Bandra-Kurla Complex on notice, questioning their operational legitimacy. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe confirmed the move, highlighting concerns over third-party arrangements that may flout licensing rules.

  • Notices issued to five restaurants: Permit Room, Pavilion, Mediterranean, Oriental Swing, and Clubway & Pastry Counter.
  • Violations involve third-party operator Shirke Infrastructure running establishments under MCA's license.
  • Initial suspension lifted after Bombay High Court intervention last month.

Licensing Loopholes Under Scrutiny

At the heart of the issue lies a simple but critical regulation: licenses are issued to specific entities for specific activities at specific locations. MCA holds the Food Business Operator registration, but Shirke Infrastructure appears to be the actual operator—a setup Mundhe calls impermissible. "When we issue a license, we issue it to a particular entity, for a particular place and for a particular activity," he explained. The arrangement, while common in some hospitality sectors, clashes directly with food safety laws.

Court Directives Shape FDA Action

The regulatory tension escalated last month when the FDA suspended the restaurants' licenses over hygiene and structural issues, only to see the Bombay High Court step in and lift the suspension. Now, the FDA is proceeding carefully, following the court's guidance. Mundhe stated, "We have issued notices as per the court directive, and will pass the order once a reply is received." The outcome hinges on how the restaurants respond—and whether they can justify their current operating model.

"MCA is registered as a Food Business Operator, but the actual operator is somebody else, who does not have a license or registration." — Tukaram Mundhe

What Comes Next?

For now, the ball is in the restaurants' court. Their replies will determine whether the FDA issues corrective orders or escalates enforcement. Mundhe's tone suggests patience but firmness: the law is clear, and compliance isn't optional. Dining patrons and cricket fans alike will be watching, wondering if their favorite spots will need new paperwork—or new management.