The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of several establishments across the state, including Mumbai's iconic K. Rustom & Co., after inspections revealed serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms.
The action was taken on July 7 by the FDA's Greater Mumbai Division and other regional offices. Among the prominent establishments facing action is Churchgate-based K. Rustom & Co. / Rodabe K. Irani, located at Brabourne Stadium House on Veer Nariman Road.
During the inspection, officials found multiple serious lapses, including the presence of live rats and houseflies, disruption of cold chain operations, failure to maintain mandatory records and expired food products.
Citing violations of hygiene standards prescribed under Part II of Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, the FDA ordered the immediate suspension of the establishment's food licence under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
In another case, the FDA suspended the licence of Hotel Patilwada in Dhule after finding that the establishment was operating without a valid food business licence, in violation of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Action was also taken against Shri Hira Sweets Pvt. Ltd. in Nagpur. During an inspection at the establishment on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road in Panchpaoli, food safety officials found a dead rat on the premises while food production was ongoing nearby.
The FDA said the conditions amounted to a serious breach of hygiene requirements under Part II of Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, leading to the suspension of the food business licence.
It warned that strict action would continue against food businesses found violating hygiene norms or compromising consumer safety.
The FDA said the crackdown forms part of its ongoing drive to ensure compliance with food safety standards and protect public health.
