Kyani Cafe's License Revoked After FDA Inspection Reveals Health Hazards
Mumbai's iconic Kyani cafe has been shut down following a shocking FDA inspection that uncovered serious health violations.
Kyani & Co. lost its FSSAI license due to severe hygiene violations.
The inspection revealed rat droppings, flies, and blood in a refrigerator.
The FDA's statewide crackdown resulted in the suspension of licenses for 30 food establishments.
In a significant health safety measure, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked the license of Kyani & Co., a historic Irani cafe in Mumbai, after a recent inspection uncovered alarming sanitary conditions. Conducted on September 27, the inspection led by FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe revealed rat droppings, live flies, dead cockroaches, and even blood in a refrigerator, prompting immediate action against the establishment.
Kyani & Co., established in 1904, is one of Mumbai's oldest cafes, renowned for its vintage ambiance and affordable snacks. However, the inspection exposed serious deficiencies in food safety protocols, including an open sewage manhole in the food processing area and food items stored improperly on the floor. Additionally, raw dough was found covered with printed newspaper, raising further concerns about hygiene practices.
The FDA's findings indicated that staff were not adhering to necessary hygiene standards, with a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and improper segregation of raw and ready-to-eat food. Citing these critical violations, the FDA suspended the cafe's license under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and ordered an immediate halt to all food-related activities at the cafe.
This action against Kyani & Co. is part of a broader crackdown by the Maharashtra FDA during the festive season, which took place from September 23 to 27. The initiative, aimed at ensuring food safety, resulted in the seizure of over 50 tonnes of food products worth approximately Rs 1.19 crore across the state. In total, 30 food establishments had their licenses suspended, including 13 in Mumbai, as part of the enforcement efforts.
Looking ahead, the FDA will continue to monitor compliance at Kyani & Co. and other establishments involved in the crackdown. The agency's rigorous inspections are expected to enhance food safety standards across Maharashtra, ensuring that consumers can trust the quality of food served in local eateries.
