Why Mumbai's Iconic 'Rustom & Co' Ice Cream Parlour Was Forced To Close by the FDA
Mumbai's iconic 'Rustom Ice Cream Parlour' has had its license suspended by the FDA following a raid that uncovered severe hygiene lapses, including the presence of rats and flies. Officials also destroyed expired flavouring agents and noted the ice cream failed to meet FSSAI fat content standards. The shop must remain closed pending further food testing.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the license of "Rustom & Co" Ice Cream Parlour at Brabourne Stadium, near Churchgate station, following a surprise inspection that uncovered severe hygiene lapses and regulatory violations. The establishment has been ordered to remain closed until official laboratory reports confirm its compliance with food safety standards.
The operation was conducted under the directives of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe as part of the ongoing "Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra" campaign, aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of food products across the state. Why Maharashtra FDA Banned Compulsory Hospital Pharmacy Purchases.
Action Taken by FDA Against Eateries in Mumbai and Other Cities
Findings of the Inspection at Rustom Ice Cream Parlour
During the raid, FDA officials documented several critical safety concerns. Most notably, the inspection revealed the presence of live rats and flies within the shop’s storage and processing areas. Furthermore, investigators found that the establishment had failed to maintain the required cold chain, which is essential for the storage of ice cream and the prevention of bacterial growth. The team also identified a large quantity of expired artificial flavouring agents and essences. In the presence of officials, the following items were destroyed by disposal in the sink:
- Pistachio: 2 units (INR 1,028)
- Pineapple: 2 units (INR 952)
- Sweet Orange: 3 units (INR 1,242)
- Cherry: 2 units (INR 740)
- Almond: 1 unit (INR 358)
- American Ice Cream Soda: 2 units (INR 924)
- Mixed Fruit: 1 unit (INR 500)
- Strawberry: 2 units (INR 1,858)
- Black Currant: 1 unit (INR 1,032)
- Rum Jamaica: 1 unit (INR 639)
- Lemon: 1 unit (INR 454)
- Plum: 1 unit (INR 252)
Quality Concerns and Regulatory Action
Beyond hygiene issues, the FDA has raised concerns regarding the quality of the ice cream itself. Preliminary data from external laboratory reports indicated a fat content of only 7.94 per cent, significantly below the 10 per cent minimum threshold mandated by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) standards. During the raid, the shop's license was suspended under the Food Safety Act due to serious hygiene lapses and regulatory violations. Why Maharashtra FDA Is Launching a Massive Crackdown on 4.5 Lakh Food Outlets.
The inspection was carried out by Food Safety Officers Tejaswini V. Patil and Akash Chavan, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner (Food) Anupama Balasaheb Patil and Joint Commissioner (Food) P. R. Singarwad. FDA teams have since collected additional samples for formal testing. Until the test results are received and the establishment demonstrates full compliance, the parlour will remain under a closure order.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2026 08:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).