Why Was Mumbai’s Kyani & Co Irani Cafe Shut Down by Maharashtra FDA?
Maharashtra FDA has suspended the FSSAI licence of Mumbai's historic Irani cafe Kyani & Co. after an inspection on September 27 found rat droppings, live flies and dead cockroaches. The action was part of a statewide festive-season food safety drive.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the FSSAI licence of Kyani & Co., one of Mumbai's oldest surviving Irani cafes, with immediate effect after an inspection revealed serious food safety and hygiene violations. The raid was carried out on September 27 by a team led by FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe under the department's 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign, a statewide crackdown ahead of the festive season. Officials said the deficiencies posed an immediate risk to consumers' health, prompting the suspension under the proviso to Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The action has drawn attention because of the cafe's status as a heritage landmark in the city.
What FDA Officials Found at Kyani & Co.
Inspectors reported rat droppings, live flies and dead cockroaches in the food preparation and storage areas. Cats were also found on the premises.
Mumbai's Kyani & Co. Licence Suspended
FDA has suspended the FSSAI licence of popular eatery Kyani & Co. in Kalbadevi with immediate effect after an inspection on September 27 found several serious hygiene and food safety violations.
Inspectors found cats, rat droppings, live flies and dead cockroaches in the food… pic.twitter.com/gZXLiFWaGo
— Richa Pinto (@richapintoi) September 28, 2026
A large quantity of blood had collected inside a refrigerator, which raised concerns over food storage practices. An open sewage manhole was found in the processing section. Why Olympia Coffee House Licence Was Suspended: Inside FDA's 7-Outlet Crackdown in Mumbai.
Food items were reportedly stored directly on the floor, and raw dough was covered with printed newspaper. Staff were not following required hygiene standards or wearing personal protective equipment, and raw and ready-to-eat food was not properly segregated, the findings said.
Suspension Order and Directions
Kyani & Co. has been directed to immediately stop the purchase, manufacture, processing, storage, sale and distribution of all food products. FDA officials will monitor the establishment to ensure the order is followed. Maharashtra FDA Tukaram Mundhe Says ‘WhatsApp University’ and Reel Culture Influencing Decisions.
About Kyani & Co.
Established in 1904, Kyani & Co. is known for its vintage interiors, high ceilings, affordable snacks and tea, and is counted among the last surviving Irani cafes in Mumbai.
Wider Maharashtra FDA Crackdown
The Kyani & Co. action was part of a drive conducted between September 23 and 27. During this period, the FDA seized around 50.60 tonnes (50,601.78 kg) of food products worth INR 1.19 crore. The seized items included sweets, milk and milk products, edible oil, rice, dry fruits, namkeen, farsan, tea, spices, sauces, noodles and wafers.
Licences of 30 food establishments were suspended across the state: 13 in Mumbai, six in the Konkan division, eight in the Pune division and three in the Sambhajinagar division.
The department also seized banned products worth INR 30.93 lakh, registered 22 FIRs and arrested 30 people. Three establishments were sealed and three vehicles were seized.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2026 11:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
