SoBo Eatery Bademiya Faces Closure Due to Licensing Issues

Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued cease-and-desist notices to three branches of the renowned South Mumbai restaurant, Bademiya, for operating without proper licenses.

As part of an ongoing enforcement campaign, the FDA has shut down 28 eateries in Mumbai and Thane due to their failure to adhere to essential hygiene and safety standards.

This crackdown is set to continue for another month, with additional restaurants likely to face inspections.

A group of food safety officers conducted an inspection of the Bademiya establishments situated behind the Taj Palace Hotel near the Gateway and Horniman Circle.

During the inspection, they reportedly discovered that the restaurants were serving food without the necessary license and were in breach of various safety and hygiene regulations.

The inspection team also observed the presence of cockroaches and rats within the restaurant premises.

Despite receiving the notice, the restaurant continued to operate late into the evening on Wednesday.

Shailesh Adhao, the Joint Commissioner of the FDA, has confirmed that the Bademiya outlets must remain closed until they meet all the necessary compliance requirements and undergo a fresh round of inspections. The renowned 76-year-old Bademiya, famous for its kebabs and rolls, boasts an annual turnover exceeding one crore. The recent discovery of a rat in a meal served at Papa Pancho da Dhaba triggered a comprehensive inspection of restaurants in both the city and the state since August. Alongside Papa Pancho da Dhaba, Mumbai Darbar based in Mahim and a chain of cloud kitchens operated by Hyperkichen foodtech pvt. Ltd in Govandi were instructed to cease their operations due to compliance issues.

In Thane, a total of 25 eateries have received orders to halt their activities, as confirmed by the department.

In Mumbai, close to 70 restaurants underwent inspections, with a combined 85 establishments surveyed in Thane. Adhao mentioned that a significant number of these eateries were found to be operating without the necessary licenses.