Mumbai's Iconic ice cream parlour shut after FDA finds rats, flies and hygiene violations
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of Mumbai's iconic K Rustom & Co. ice cream parlour near Churchgate after inspectors found serious hygiene and food safety violations, including the presence of rats, flies and expired food products on the premises.
The action was taken during a surprise inspection under the FDA's 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign. Officials reported live rodents and houseflies inside the establishment, expired artificial flavouring agents, poor sanitation and lapses in maintaining the mandatory cold chain required for storing ice cream safely.
The 73-year-old parlour, established in 1953 and renowned for its signature ice cream sandwiches, has been directed to remain closed until food sample reports are received and all deficiencies are rectified. The licence will be restored only after the outlet complies with food safety norms.
FDA officials also collected ice cream samples for laboratory testing. According to the agency, an earlier external laboratory report found the product contained only 7.94% milk fat, below the 10% minimum standard prescribed under Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. Expired flavouring agents found during the inspection were destroyed on the spot.
The closure of one of Mumbai's most iconic dessert destinations has disappointed loyal patrons, while the FDA said the crackdown is part of a broader drive to ensure food safety and protect public health across Maharashtra.
