60-Year-Old Mumbai Udupi Restaurant Closed After FDA Finds Fungal Vegetables, Poor Hygiene

In a major crackdown on food safety violations, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence of Poornima Restaurant, one of Mumbai's most iconic Udupi eateries, after inspectors uncovered serious hygiene and food safety lapses during a surprise inspection.

The over 60-year-old restaurant, located in Fort's Raja Bahadur Compound near Bombay House and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), has long been a popular destination for office-goers, business professionals and tourists visiting South Mumbai.

Why Was Poornima Restaurant's FSSAI Licence Suspended?

The Maharashtra FDA carried out an inspection on July 23 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and found multiple violations that officials said posed a significant threat to public health.

Among the most serious findings was fungal growth on raw vegetables, including drumsticks used in sambar, and bananas stored for the restaurant's signature banana vada. Food safety officials warned that fungal contamination inside kitchens handling fermented foods such as idli and dosa batter can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Major Food Safety Violations Found During Inspection

The FDA inspection report highlighted several hygiene and food safety deficiencies, including:

• Fungal growth on raw vegetables and bananas.
• Contaminated raw ingredients stored alongside cooked and frozen food.
• Flies inside the kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Stagnant water and dirty drains without cockroach traps.
• Peeling paint, rusted surfaces and unhygienic kitchen walls and ceilings.
• Refrigeration units with improperly sealed doors.
• Pickles stored in non-food-grade plastic barrels without mandatory compliance certification.
• No medical fitness records or periodic health check-up reports for food handlers.

Officials said the combination of these violations created an unsafe environment for food preparation and handling.

Restaurant Ordered to Stop Operations

Following the inspection, the Maharashtra FDA suspended Poornima Restaurant's FSSAI licence with immediate effect and ordered the establishment to stop all food business operations until the identified deficiencies are rectified.

Restaurant staff confirmed that renovation and corrective work is currently underway and expressed hope of reopening after meeting the required food safety standards.

Maharashtra FDA Intensifies Food Safety Drive

The action against Poornima Restaurant is part of the Maharashtra FDA's ongoing statewide enforcement campaign against unhygienic restaurants, bakeries and food establishments.

Led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the inspection drive conducted on July 23 covered 61 hotels, restaurants, dhabas and bakeries across Maharashtra.

The statewide operation resulted in:

• 61 food establishments inspected.
• 34 improvement notices issued.
• 6 FSSAI licences suspended with immediate effect.
• 4 stop-business notices served.

In Mumbai alone, officials inspected 34 establishments, issuing 22 improvement notices, five licence suspensions, and four stop-business notices.

Other Restaurants and Bakeries Facing FDA Action

The Maharashtra FDA suspended the licences of several other food establishments, including:

• Meraz Crystal Bakery, Mahim
• Anmol Bakery & Stores, Andheri East
• Maharashtra Bakery & Restaurant, Chembur
• Sawa Bakery & Restaurant, Goregaon East
• Ujwala Bakery, Dahisar West

The regulator also served stop-business notices to Meraz Bangalore Aryan Bakery (Kalachowki), Meraz Golden Bakery (Ghatkopar West), Fine & Fresh Bakery (Vikhroli West), and Big Bite Bakery Pvt. Ltd. (Kandivali East).

Maharashtra FDA Continues Crackdown on Food Safety Violations

The latest action comes as the Maharashtra FDA intensifies inspections across the state to improve hygiene standards in food establishments. In recent weeks, the regulator has taken action against multiple restaurants and canteens across Mumbai, including ordering the closure of a canteen at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters for alleged food safety violations.

Officials have reiterated that food businesses failing to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, will face strict enforcement measures to safeguard consumer health.