Cat and rat droppings, flies, dead cockroaches: Why Mumbai’s century-old Kyani & Co faces FDA lawsuit | Today’s news
Several well-known food businesses in Mumbai have come under scrutiny after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra found serious food hygiene and safety violations during an inspection during the Christmas holidays.
FDA finds vermin, blood-filled fridge and open manhole at Kyani & C in Mumbai
The action, which took place between September 23 and 27, resulted in the suspension of licenses or registration certificates for 30 establishments across Maharashtra. The FDA also seized 50,601.78 kg of food products worth around ₹1.19 crore, according to the ministry and Press Trust of India and local media reports.
In Mumbai alone, 13 businesses faced license suspensions, closure orders or legal action.
Among them was the more than 100-year-old Kyani & Co in Kalbadevi. The FDA inspection reportedly found cats, rat droppings, live flies and dead cockroaches in areas used for food preparation and storage. Officials also reported a large amount of blood inside the refrigerator and an open drain shaft in the processing area.
The company was ordered to immediately stop the purchase, production, processing, storage, sale and distribution of food products.
FDA crackdown on other restaurants
Colaba Sweet Mart also had its license suspended after inspectors allegedly found live lizards, cockroaches, flies and larvae. Dirty mop buckets were reportedly kept near uncovered food, while finished products and raw dough were found in direct contact with printed newspapers.
The FDA also cited gaps in pest control measures, employee health records and personal protective equipment.
A Subway outlet operated by EverSub India Pvt Ltd at Phoenix Mills in Lower Parel was also the subject of a lawsuit following a consumer complaint. Inspectors reportedly found a faulty fridge with a layer of mold and an unpleasant smell along with live cockroaches. Standing water was found on the kitchen floor and raw food was allegedly in contact with the worker’s used jacket.
Other businesses in Mumbai facing the suit include Daffodils Fast Food Inn in Vila Parle East, Arun Vilas Farsan in Dharavi and Ruchi Veg Restaurant in Parel. The FDA cited problems including dirty refrigeration equipment, pest infestations, food stored next to workers’ belongings and poor sanitation.
Legal proceedings have also been initiated against six other outlets, including QSR Brands India in Andheri East, Royal China in Fort, Tiffin Restaurant in Bandra West and United Bakery & Stores in Santacruz West.
The wider crackdown spread beyond Mumbai. The food items seized included sweets, dairy products, ghee, cream, shrikhand, lassi, coconut oil, farsan, wafers, spices, dry fruits, sauces and noodles. Some products were suspected of being substandard, counterfeit, unsafe, or mislabeled.
In a separate action against banned food products, the FDA cited the value of the shares ₹30.63 crore was seized, 22 FIRs were registered and 30 people were arrested. Three establishments were sealed and three vehicles were also secured.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said strict legal action will continue against establishments that sell or store expired, tampered or unsanitarily prepared food. Maharashtra FDA identifies food safety and compliance as part of its core regulatory mandate.
