Mumbai’s iconic Parsi Dairy Farm has resumed operations after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted the suspension of its licence following corrective measures undertaken by the dairy management to address alleged food safety and hygiene concerns.
The action against the century-old dairy was part of the Maharashtra FDA’s wider campaign against adulterated, unsafe and substandard food products across the state. The department had conducted a surprise inspection at the dairy’s Princess Street facility in South Mumbai on July 14, during which officials identified several alleged violations related to sanitation, storage practices and infrastructure maintenance.
According to the inspection findings, officials reportedly observed mould and fungal growth on walls in production and milk storage areas, a significant presence of houseflies, inadequate measures to prevent rodents and insects, and improper storage of raw materials directly on the floor near affected areas.
The FDA also raised concerns over the absence of a separate protected raw milk reception area, the lack of an effluent treatment plant, incomplete medical documentation of food handlers and missing “Best Before” or expiry date details on certain dairy products.
Following the inspection, the FDA suspended the FSSAI licence of Parsi Dairy Farm Pvt Ltd on July 15, restricting the company from manufacturing, storing or selling food products. Authorities also reportedly halted operations at the company’s main manufacturing facility in Palghar after similar hygiene-related issues were detected.
The FDA stated that the shortcomings had the potential to result in microbiological contamination and posed risks to consumer safety.
Following the suspension, the dairy management worked with authorities and implemented corrective steps, including extensive cleaning, improvements in hygiene practices, infrastructure repairs and compliance-related upgrades.
A subsequent inspection by FDA officials confirmed that the identified issues had been addressed, following which the suspension order was withdrawn and the establishment was permitted to restart production and sales.
Established over 110 years ago, Parsi Dairy Farm remains one of Mumbai’s most recognised dairy brands, known for its traditional milk products, sweets and heritage recipes.
The Maharashtra FDA has reiterated that food businesses must maintain strict hygiene protocols and adhere to food safety standards to ensure consumer protection. The department continues to monitor establishments across the state as part of its ongoing food safety enforcement measures.
Source: NDTV Profit
