K Rustom & Co, a well-known eatery in Mumbai celebrated for its ice cream sandwiches, has had its food business license revoked following a recent inspection by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The inspection revealed numerous serious violations concerning food safety and hygiene, including the presence of live rats, houseflies, expired food items, and failures in maintaining the cold chain.
This enforcement action was part of a broader initiative by the FDA that took place on July 7 and 8, under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Officials reported that the Churchgate location did not comply with the hygiene standards outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations from 2011.
During the inspection at the outlet situated in Brabourne Stadium House on Veer Nariman Road, FDA inspectors noted the presence of live rodents and houseflies, as well as significant disruptions in the cold chain process, neglect in record-keeping, and outdated food items. Consequently, the FDA suspended the food business license of K Rustom under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The measures taken against K Rustom were part of a comprehensive operation where the FDA inspected a total of 16 hotels, restaurants, and dhabas on the same dates. Out of these, ten establishments received notices for improvements, while the licenses of three food businesses, including K Rustom, were suspended due to grave infractions.
Other establishments that faced license suspensions included Hotel Patilwada in Dhule, which was found to be operating without the necessary food business license, and Shri Hira Sweets Pvt Ltd in Nagpur, where a dead rat was discovered near the food preparation area, also in breach of food safety regulations.
Additionally, the FDA conducted six raids throughout Maharashtra, confiscating prohibited food items such as pan masala and gutkha, valued at Rs 9,60,416 during this operation. An FIR was filed concerning the sale, distribution, and transportation of these banned products, resulting in one arrest. In a separate action, enforcement teams seized non-prohibited food items, including milk, dairy products, and jaggery, totaling Rs 7,51,440 from five different establishments across the state.
When approached for comments regarding the inspection and the subsequent actions taken, the staff at K Rustom declined to provide any responses.
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