The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended the business licence of K. Rustom & Co ice-cream parlour on July 9 [1].

The suspension of the Churchgate-based establishment marks a significant blow to one of Mumbai's most historic eateries, raising concerns about food safety standards in legacy institutions.

FDA officials conducted a surprise inspection that uncovered severe hygiene violations. Inspectors said they found live rats and houseflies on the premises [1], [2]. The agency also identified the use of expired ingredients and noted lapses in refrigeration and cold-chain management [1], [3].

These breaches violate the food-safety norms established by the state of Maharashtra [1], [4]. The parlour, which was founded in 1953 [5], has long been a landmark in the city's culinary landscape. However, the current findings suggest a systemic failure to maintain basic sanitary requirements.

The FDA froze the licence immediately following the inspection on July 9 [1], [6]. The agency has not yet specified the timeline for when the parlour may apply for reinstatement, though such actions typically require a complete overhaul of sanitation protocols and a follow-up inspection to ensure compliance.

Officials said the move was necessary to protect public health. The presence of rodents and insects in a food preparation area poses an immediate risk of contamination and foodborne illness.

“The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended the business licence of K. Rustom & Co ice-cream parlour”

The closure of a long-standing institution like K. Rustom & Co highlights a growing tension between the cultural value of 'legacy' establishments and the stringent requirements of modern food safety regulations. It signals that the Maharashtra FDA is prioritizing public health over the historical status of businesses, suggesting that no establishment is exempt from rigorous hygiene enforcement regardless of its fame.