Cats, rat droppings: Licence of Mumbai’s 122-year-old Kyani & Co suspended
Source Entity
The Indian Express
The Maharashtra FDA has suspended the licences of 30 food establishments, including the historic Kyani & Co, following a statewide hygiene crackdown. Meanwhile, political allegations of extortion have emerged against FDA officials regarding these enforcement actions.
Maharashtra FDA Crackdown: Hygiene Violations and Political Controversy
The Scope of Enforcement
Between September 23 and 27, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a comprehensive, statewide drive aimed at ensuring food safety ahead of the festive season. This operation resulted in the suspension of 30 food licences across various regions, including 13 in Mumbai, six in the Konkan division, eight in Pune, and three in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The operation was significant in scale, leading to the seizure of over 50,000 kilograms of food products valued at approximately ₹1.19 crore.
Hygiene Concerns at Historic Establishments
Among the most prominent establishments facing regulatory action is the 122-year-old Kyani & Co in Dhobi Talao. FDA inspectors reported severe sanitation lapses at the iconic Irani café, citing the presence of cats, rat droppings, live flies, and dead cockroaches in areas dedicated to food preparation and storage. Other notable establishments caught in the drive include the upscale Royal China restaurant and a Subway outlet located at Phoenix Mills, as well as local businesses like Arun Vilas Farsan in Dharavi and Ruchi Veg Restaurant in Parel.
Regulatory Context and Public Health
The FDA's crackdown underscores the critical importance of hygiene standards within the food service industry, particularly as high-volume festive periods approach. By targeting both historic landmarks and modern retail outlets, the authorities have signaled a zero-tolerance policy toward violations that compromise public health. The presence of pests in food preparation environments poses significant risks of foodborne illnesses, necessitating rigorous enforcement of the licensing requirements mandated by state food safety protocols.
Political Allegations of Corruption
While the FDA maintains that the drive is a necessary public health intervention, the action has triggered a political firestorm. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has publicly accused FDA officials—specifically mentioning Designated Officers and assistant commissioners—of using the threat of licence suspension as a tool for extortion. Raut alleged that the agency's offices in Bandra and Thane have become hubs for extracting bribes from business operators, bypassing standard legal notification procedures.
Broader Implications and Future Trends
These developments highlight a complex tension between necessary regulatory oversight and claims of administrative overreach. As business owners in cities like Nagpur, Pune, and Solapur reportedly seek redress for these alleged threats, the demand for an independent inquiry becomes a focal point of local political discourse. Moving forward, the credibility of the FDA’s enforcement mechanism will depend on its ability to transparently address these corruption allegations while maintaining the integrity of the food safety standards that protect the public. The industry will likely see increased scrutiny on compliance, while political pressure for administrative reform within the FDA is expected to intensify.