The 110-year-old Parsi Dairy Farm in Mumbai has had its licence suspended with immediate effect by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The decision was taken after food safety inspectors found the iconic institution violating several hygiene rules. Here’s what we know about this development so far.
Parsi Dairy Farm In Mumbai Gets Its Licence Suspended
Started in 1916, Parsi Dairy Farm is an iconic sweet and milk shop in South Mumbai’s Marine Lines. The institution became famous not just for its dairy products but also for its kulfis with a nostalgic appeal. But according to The Indian Express, the FDA has now suspended its licence. The inspection carried out on July 14 revealed multiple serious lapses related to food safety and hygiene.
There was fungal growth on the walls of the storage and production areas, and raw material was stored directly on the floor next to these fungus-affected walls. Moreover, there was no protected Raw Milk Reception Dock for receiving raw milk. Food safety inspectors also flagged a large presence of flies, incomplete medical records for food handling staff, and missing “best before”, “use by” or “date of expiry” information on several items.
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Violations Pose A Serious Health Risk To Consumers
According to The Indian Express, these violations could lead to food contamination and pose a serious health risk to consumers. The licence suspension means the establishment is now barred from manufacturing, storing, selling or distributing food items. It could face further strict action if it violates the suspension order.
Reportedly, the FDA also extended its action to the dairy’s Palghar branch and seized loose paneer, unlabelled colostrum and Cooking Desi Cow Ghee Butter on suspicion of misbranding and substandard quality.
The Parsi Dairy Farm was opened by 18-year-old Nariman Ardeshir with a single can of milk. Today, it spans 300 acres of farmland and is run by the fourth generation of the family, including Parvana S. Mistry, her sister Zeenia K. Patel, and their cousins Sarfaraz and Bakhtyar K. Irani.
Also Read: FDA Crackdown In Mumbai Intensifies; Suspends Licences Of 3 Iconic Eateries Over Hygiene Lapses
Have you ever bought dairy products or kulfi from Parsi Dairy Farm in Mumbai?
Cover Image Courtesy: @mumbaiheritage/X
FAQs
How old is Parsi Dairy Farm in Mumbai?
Parsi Dairy Farm was established in 1916 and is around 110 years old.