Rats, expired flavours found at Mumbai’s K Rustom: FDA

Mumbai’s iconic K Rustom & Co ice cream parlour has had its food business licence suspended after the Maharashtra FDA found live rats, houseflies, expired products, and serious hygiene violations during a surprise inspection.

The Churchgate outlet, known for its ice cream sandwiches since 1953, was found breaking multiple food safety norms under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

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The action is part of the FDA’s statewide “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” drive carried out on July 7 and 8, and it highlights growing concerns over hygiene standards even at heritage establishments.

What did the inspection find?

During the inspection at Brabourne Stadium House on Veer Nariman Road, FDA officers found live rats and houseflies inside the premises and storage areas. Inspectors also found lapses in cold chain maintenance, expired artificial flavouring agents (including pistachio, pineapple, strawberry, and several other flavours), and a failure to maintain mandatory records. Expired stock was destroyed on the spot. Earlier lab reports had also flagged that the ice cream’s milk fat content was below the prescribed 10% FSSAI standard.

The licence was suspended under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act. The outlet has been directed to remain shut until laboratory reports of the collected samples are received and compliance is verified. Food Safety Officers Tejaswini Patil and Akash Chavan carried out the inspection under senior officials.

Part of a bigger statewide crackdown

The action was part of a larger drive in which the FDA inspected 16 hotels, restaurants, and dhabas. Ten establishments received improvement notices, while three had their licences suspended. The other suspended outlets include Hotel Patilwada in Dhule (operating without a valid licence) and Shri Hira Sweets Pvt Ltd in Nagpur (a dead rat was found near the food preparation area).

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During the drive, the FDA also seized banned items like pan masala and gutkha worth over Rs 9.6 lakh, along with non-prohibited substandard food items worth Rs 7.5 lakh. One person was arrested in connection with the banned products.

This incident serves as a wake-up call for Mumbai’s food industry. While K Rustom & Co staff declined to comment, the case shows how even iconic brands must maintain strict hygiene standards to keep consumer trust. The FDA has urged citizens to report food safety concerns through official channels. The parlour remains closed until further notice.

FAQS

1.Under what law was the licence suspended?

The licence was suspended under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act. The outlet has been directed to remain shut until laboratory reports of the collected samples are received and compliance is verified.

2.Who carried out the inspection?

Food Safety Officers Tejaswini Patil and Akash Chavan carried out the inspection under senior officials, as part of the FDA’s statewide “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” drive conducted on July 7 and 8.