Cat and rat droppings, flies, dead cockroaches: Why Mumbai’s century-old Kyani & Co faces FDA action

The Maharashtra Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has issued a warning that it will take decisive action against 13 food outlets in Mumbai following a series of inspections that uncovered a litany of hygiene violations. Among the most alarming findings were widespread pest infestations, the presence of cat and rat droppings, a swarm of flies, and the discovery of dead cockroaches in several kitchens. These breaches, the FDA has warned, put consumers at risk of foodborne illness and represent a serious failure to meet basic safety standards.The inspections were carried out over the course of three weeks in late August, as part of a broader initiative to tighten oversight of food establishments in the city’s densely populated areas..

The Maharashtra FDA’s spokesperson, Meera Patel, explained that the authority had been receiving an increasing number of complaints about unsanitary conditions in small restaurants and street food stalls. “The safety of the public is our top priority,” Patel said. “When we find evidence of pest contamination or other hazards that compromise food safety, we must act immediately to protect consumers.”One of the most egregious violations identified was the presence of cat and rat droppings in the kitchens and storage areas of the affected establishments..

In several cases, the droppings were found in close proximity to raw meat and poultry, creating a direct pathway for bacterial contamination. The FDA’s inspectors noted that such conditions are conducive to the rapid spread of pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, all of which can cause severe illness when ingested.The discovery of a swarm of flies inside the premises was another red flag..

Flies are known vectors for a wide range of diseases, and their presence indicates that the food outlet’s sanitation practices are inadequate. The FDA’s guidelines state that any food establishment that is found to have a fly infestation must either cease operations until the problem is rectified or implement a comprehensive pest control plan approved by the authority. Failure to comply can result in suspension of licence, as has already happened with three of the 13 affected restaurants.Dead cockroaches were found in the back kitchens of four of the establishments, a sight that is almost impossible to ignore for anyone working in or visiting the premises..

Cockroaches are notorious carriers of bacteria and allergens, and the presence of deceased insects suggests that the existing pest management measures are not only ineffective but also neglected. “Pest control is not a one‑off task; it is an ongoing commitment,” Patel added. “The authorities will monitor compliance closely.”In addition to pest infestations, the inspections revealed that several kitchens were storing raw and cooked foods in the same refrigeration units, a practice that can facilitate cross‑contamination..

The FDA’s food safety guidelines require that all refrigerated foods be stored separately, with adequate labeling and temperature controls. In cases where the refrigeration units were found to be malfunctioning or not maintaining the required temperatures, the authority has ordered immediate repairs and, where necessary, replacement of the equipment.The FDA’s decision to suspend licences or impose other remedial actions against 13 establishments is part of a larger strategy to enforce stricter compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act. While the exact number of establishments that will be affected has not been disclosed, the FDA’s statements suggest that the 13 sites are a sample of a larger group of restaurants that may be subject to further scrutiny.The affected food outlets range from small street‑food stalls to larger restaurants, many of which have been operating in the same location for decades..

One of the more well‑known establishments, Kyani & Co, is a century‑old family‑run bakery that has been a staple in the community for more than 100 years. The bakery has been accused of ignoring several FDA notices in the past, and the latest inspection has brought the issue of pest control to the forefront. According to the bakery’s owner, Arun K..

Sharma, “We have always taken pride in our cleanliness and our food quality. We were shocked to find that the pest control was not up to the mark, and we are taking steps to rectify the situation.”The owner added that the bakery has hired a professional pest control company and has implemented a new cleaning schedule that includes regular inspections of the premises and immediate removal of any pests or droppings. “We want to reassure our customers that we are taking all the necessary steps to comply with the FSSAI regulations and to maintain the highest standards of hygiene,” Sharma said.The Maharashtra FDA has clarified that the suspension of licences will be temporary, contingent on a satisfactory follow‑up inspection..

The authority has stated that it will give the affected establishments a window of 30 days to address the identified issues and to submit evidence of compliance. If an establishment is found to be in breach again, the FDA will consider more severe penalties, including permanent closure of the premises.The FDA’s move has sparked a debate among food industry stakeholders about the balance between regulatory enforcement and support for small businesses. Some restaurant owners argue that the fines and temporary suspensions are a heavy burden, especially for small operators who may not have the financial resources to quickly replace faulty equipment or to hire professional pest control services..

Others point out that consumer safety is paramount and that lax standards can lead to foodborne illnesses that cost the state healthcare resources and harm the reputation of the industry as a whole.Public health experts have weighed in, emphasizing that the findings are not isolated. A study published last year in the Indian Journal of Public Health found that up to 35% of street food vendors in Mumbai had at least one of the key indicators of pest contamination. “The fact that we see cat and rat droppings in multiple establishments points to systemic problems in urban food safety management,” said Dr..

Kavita Mehta, a food safety specialist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. “Pest control is a cornerstone of hygiene, and failure to address it adequately can have widespread repercussions.”The Maharashtra FDA has urged all food establishments to review and update their sanitation protocols. The authority has published a set of guidelines that includes recommendations on regular pest control visits, routine cleaning of kitchen surfaces, proper disposal of waste, and storage of food items in sealed containers..

The guidelines also advise owners to conduct routine self‑inspections and to maintain detailed records of cleaning and pest control activities, as these records will be scrutinized during future inspections.The public reaction to the FDA’s announcement has been largely supportive, with many consumers expressing relief that the authority is taking action. A Facebook thread on a local community group highlighted the case of a popular night‑time snack stall that had been closed after the inspection, with patrons calling for the stall to be reopened only after the necessary safety measures were implemented. “We have to keep our families safe,” one user wrote..