The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended the food licence of K. Rustom & Co. ice cream parlour in Churchgate on July 9, 2026 [1].

The closure of the iconic South Mumbai establishment marks a significant blow to a local landmark, raising questions about food safety standards in historic eateries.

FDA inspectors conducted a surprise visit to the premises, where they discovered severe hygiene violations. According to the agency, the inspection uncovered live rats and house flies within the facility [1], [2]. These findings indicate a critical failure in pest control and sanitary maintenance at the site.

Beyond the presence of vermin, the FDA identified further breaches regarding the quality and safety of the products sold to the public. Inspectors found that the parlour was using expired flavours [1]. Additionally, the agency noted that some products contained low milk fat, diverging from required standards [1].

The suspension of the licence was an immediate response to these combined health risks. The FDA said the measures were necessary to protect public health after the inspection revealed a high volume of violations [2].

K. Rustom & Co. has long been regarded as a staple of the Churchgate area, known for its traditional preparation methods. However, the discovery of expired ingredients and active infestations suggests a lapse in the operational oversight required for food service. The facility must now address these safety breaches before it can apply for the restoration of its licence [2].

“The FDA suspended the food licence of the iconic K. Rustom & Co. ice cream parlour”

The shutdown of a high-profile, historic establishment like K. Rustom & Co. signals a tightening of regulatory oversight by the Maharashtra FDA. It demonstrates that legacy status does not grant immunity from health codes, potentially prompting other long-standing food businesses in Mumbai to upgrade their hygiene protocols to avoid similar sanctions.