Mumbai: Mumbai’s Kyani & Co., a 122-year-old Irani café, has had its food licence suspended after Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reportedly found serious hygiene lapses during a surprise inspection.
According to the supplied report, the action followed concerns about conditions in areas used to prepare and store food. Here is what inspectors found and what the suspension means.
What Did Inspectors Find?
Officials reportedly spotted rat droppings, live flies and dead cockroaches in food preparation and storage areas. Cats were also seen inside the premises.
The inspection additionally found accumulated blood inside a refrigerator, raising concerns about cleaning and food handling practices.
These findings prompted the department to treat the situation as a serious food safety and sanitation issue.
Why Was Food Storage Flagged?
An open sewage manhole was reportedly found in the food processing area. Some ingredients were stored directly on the floor, while raw dough was covered with newspaper.
Inspectors also identified shortcomings in arrangements to keep raw ingredients separate from prepared food.
According to the FDA’s assessment cited in the report, such conditions could increase the risk of contamination and harm customers’ health.
What Does Suspension Mean?
Following the inspection, the FDA suspended the café’s FSSAI licence with immediate effect.
The establishment was directed to stop purchasing, preparing, storing, selling and distributing food. These restrictions affect its ability to continue normal operations.
The report does not specify a reopening date or provide details of any subsequent clearance. It also does not include a response from the café.
Was This A Wider Crackdown?
The inspection formed part of a statewide Maharashtra FDA food safety drive conducted from September 23 to 27.
According to the report, licences or registration certificates of 30 establishments were suspended during the campaign, and substantial quantities of food were seized.
Founded in 1904, Kyani & Co. is among Mumbai’s longstanding Irani cafés. The action has brought its hygiene practices under scrutiny despite its heritage.
