The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended the licence of K. Rustom & Co. and ordered the immediate shutdown of its Churchgate outlet.

The closure of the South Mumbai establishment marks a significant blow to a local landmark known for its long-standing presence in the city. The suspension follows a series of severe sanitary violations that pose potential risks to public health.

Inspectors conducted a visit on July 8, 2024 [2], which uncovered a range of critical hygiene breaches. The FDA said it found live rats and houseflies within the premises [1]. These findings indicate a failure in basic pest control and sanitation protocols at the facility.

Beyond the presence of rodents, officials discovered expired flavouring agents and ingredients [1]. The FDA said the parlour failed to maintain mandatory labelling for its products and utilized unsafe temperature storage for its goods [1]. Such lapses in the cold chain can lead to rapid bacterial growth in dairy products.

K. Rustom & Co. has been a fixture of the Mumbai food scene since its founding in 1953 [1]. The business is widely recognized for its traditional ice cream and its historic location in Churchgate. However, the FDA said the licence suspension occurred on July 9, 2026 [2], citing the immediate need to protect consumers from contaminated food.

The agency's action follows the discovery of these systemic failures. The shutdown remains in effect as the business must address the identified lapses in hygiene and regulatory compliance to regain its operating status.

“The FDA said it found live rats and houseflies within the premises.”

The shutdown of a high-profile legacy establishment like K. Rustom & Co. signals a tightening of food safety enforcement by the Maharashtra FDA. When iconic businesses are targeted for hygiene lapses, it suggests that regulatory bodies are prioritizing public health standards over the cultural or historical status of a venue, potentially prompting other long-term vendors to modernize their sanitation practices.