K. Rustom & Co., a celebrated ice cream parlour located near Churchgate in Mumbai and recognized as one of the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the World by Taste Atlas, has recently faced serious regulatory action. On Wednesday, the (FDA) suspended the establishment's license due to alleged violations of hygiene and food safety standards, including the storage of expired artificial flavoring agents.

The suspension followed a surprise inspection conducted by FDA officials, who reported alarming sanitation issues at the popular outlet. Among the findings were live rats and flies on the premises, raising significant concerns about the establishment's cleanliness and food safety practices. The FDA's official statement confirmed that the license was suspended under the Food Safety and Standards Act, citing serious hygiene deficiencies and regulatory violations detected during the inspection.

During the inspection, officials discovered a substantial quantity of expired artificial flavoring agents and essences intended for ice cream production. The expired items included a variety of flavors such as pistachio, pineapple, sweet orange, cherry, almond, and mixed fruit, among others. All expired products were promptly destroyed on-site to prevent any potential health risks to consumers.

The FDA's surprise inspections aim to ensure that citizens have access to safe and wholesome food, and this initiative has recently intensified across various iconic food establishments throughout the state. The regulatory body emphasizes the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards in food service to protect public health.

K. Rustom & Co., established in 1953, is renowned for its unique ice cream sandwiches, which feature slabs of flavorful ice cream nestled between thin wafers. The mango flavor, in particular, has garnered a loyal following for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Despite the current setback, the parlour's long-standing reputation and beloved offerings continue to resonate with ice cream enthusiasts in Mumbai.