Scoop to soup: FDA freezes licence of Mumbai's iconic ice cream outlet after rats found on premises

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of Mumbai's iconic K Rustom ice cream parlour near Churchgate railway station over alleged violation of hygiene and food safety norms, officials said on Wednesday.

During a surprise inspection at the popular outlet, FDA reported severe sanitation lapses, including the presence of live rats and flies on the premises, said the regulatory authority in a statement.

"The licence (of Rustom ice cream parlour) has been suspended under the Food Safety and Standards Act after serious hygiene deficiencies and regulatory violations were detected during an inspection. The establishment has also been directed to remain closed until the reports of the food samples are received," according to the FDA statement.


The action was taken on the directions of FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe as part of the department's 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign aimed at ensuring citizens have access to safe and wholesome food. The drive has intensified inspections of eateries and food establishments across Mumbai, it said.

During the inspection, FDA officials found large quantities of expired artificial flavouring agents and essences allegedly stored for use in the preparation of ice cream, stated the state-run agency.

Officials said the expired flavouring agents, including pistachio, pineapple, sweet orange, cherry, almond, American ice cream soda, mixed fruit, strawberry, blackcurrant, rum Jamaica, lemon and plum flavours, were destroyed on the spot in the presence of the inspection team to prevent their further use.

The FDA collected samples of ice cream for laboratory analysis. According to earlier reports from an external laboratory, the ice cream was found to contain only 7.94 per cent milk fat against the minimum requirement of 10 per cent prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) standards, raising questions over the quality of the product.

The inspection further revealed the presence of live rodents and flies in the shop and storage areas, while officials also found that the mandatory cold chain required for safe storage and handling of ice cream was not being maintained, said the statement.

The inspection was carried out by Food Safety Officers Tejaswini Patil and Akash Chavan under the supervision of Joint Commissioner (Food) P R Singarwad and Assistant Commissioner (Food) and Designated Officer for Division I, Anupama Patil.