73-year-old iconic ice cream parlour shut after FDA finds rats and flies, license suspended
ETimes July 09, 2026 03:39 PM
Listed among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the World by Taste Atlas and considered one of Mumbai's iconic ice cream spots of Mumbai, K. Rustom & Co., the ice cream parlour near Churchgate faced an ill fate on Wednesday. According to reports, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended the ice cream parlour's license for allegedly violating hygiene and food safety norms, including storing expired artificial flavouring agents. Scroll down to read the details.
According to reports, during a surprise inspection at the popular outlet, FDA officials reported severe sanitation lapses, including the presence of live rats and flies on the premises.
What did FDA say?
The official statement by the FDA states, "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."
During the inspection, FDA officials found large quantities of expired artificial flavouring agents and essences allegedly stored for use in ice cream preparation. The list of expired items found at the outlet included pistachio, pineapple, sweet orange, cherry, almond, American ice cream soda, mixed fruit, strawberry, blackcurrant, rum Jamaica, lemon and plum flavours. According to officials, all expired items were destroyed on the spot.
Motive of such inspections
The motive behind such a surprise inspection is to ensure citizens have access to safe and wholesome food. The drive has now intensified across many other iconic food joints across the state.
What makes K. Rustom & Co. so famous
For the uninitiated, according to Taste Atlas, K. Rustom & Co. is a renowned ice cream shop established in Mumbai in 1953 and is listed among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the World. It is known far and wide for its ice cream sandwiches - slabs of flavorful ice cream sandwiched between thin wafers. The mango flavor ice cream sandwich is a crowd favorite, appreciated for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, the website confirms.
