06 September,2026 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said replies from the concerned outlets are awaited. File pic
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is awaiting responses from five restaurants and food outlets at the Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) premises in Bandra-Kurla Complex after issuing notices over their third-party operating arrangements, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said on Sunday.
Mundhe said the MCA is registered as the Food Business Operator (FBO) for the premises, while the actual restaurants are being operated by another entity that does not have a separate food licence or registration.
Explaining the regulatory position, Mundhe said a food licence is issued to a specific entity for a particular premises and activity. Therefore, an operator other than the licensed entity cannot run the business under the licence issued in the MCA's name.
According to the FDA chief, the issue concerns four or five locations at the MCA facility. The department has issued notices in accordance with the directions of the Bombay High Court and will take a decision after receiving responses from the concerned establishments.
Mundhe said the court has also passed an order concerning whether a licence obtained by the MCA can be operated by another entity.
The FDA had earlier suspended the food licences of five outlets at the MCA facility - Permit Room, Pavilion, Mediterranean, Oriental Swing, and Clubway & Pastry Counter.
The initial action by the FDA followed inspections that identified alleged hygiene lapses and structural violations at the establishments. The outlets were reportedly being operated by third-party contractor Shirke Infrastructure, while the food business operator licences remained in the MCA's name.
The five restaurants and bars were subsequently allowed to reopen after intervention by the Bombay High Court last month.
Mundhe said the latest notices relate to the licensing arrangement and the fact that the establishments are being operated by a party other than the entity holding the FBO registration.
He stressed that any entity actually operating a food business must obtain the required licence or registration in its own name. If a third-party operator is engaged, it must comply with the applicable licensing requirements before operating the establishment.
The FDA will consider the replies submitted by the concerned restaurants before passing further orders, Mundhe said.
(With inputs from PTI)
