In a major blow to one of Mumbai's most cherished culinary landmarks, the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food license of the iconic K Rustom & Co ice cream parlour with immediate effect. The decision follows a rigorous inspection near Churchgate, where officials uncovered alarming hygiene violations that posed a direct threat to consumer safety.

Unsanitary Conditions and Safety Breaches

During the surprise inspection, FDA officials reported the presence of rats, houseflies, and expired food items within the premises. Beyond the visible pest issues, the inspectors also identified significant disruptions in cold chain operations and a lack of mandatory food safety documentation. These lapses represent a critical breach of established hygiene standards, prompting the administration to take swift punitive action.

A Legacy Under Scrutiny

Founded in 1953 by Khodabaksh Rustom Irani, K Rustom & Co has been a cornerstone of Mumbai's dessert culture for over seven decades. Renowned for its signature ice cream sandwiches served between crisp wafers, the establishment has been a favorite for generations of Mumbaikars and international tourists alike. However, this recent crackdown highlights how even the most storied institutions are not immune to strict regulatory oversight.

Statewide Crackdown and Major Seizures

This suspension was part of a broader, statewide food safety drive conducted on Tuesday. The FDA inspected 16 various establishments, including hotels and restaurants. While 10 received improvement notices, three faced outright license suspensions. Notable among these was Shri Hira Sweets Pvt Ltd in Nagpur, where a dead rat was found near food preparation areas. Additionally, Hotel Patilwada in Dhule was penalized for operating without a valid license.

The drive also saw significant seizures, with officials confiscating banned products like pan masala and gutka worth ₹9.6 lakh, alongside milk and other food items worth ₹7.5 lakh. The FDA has maintained that the license for K Rustom & Co will only be restored once all deficiencies are rectified and the outlet demonstrates full compliance with food safety norms.