FDA Suspends Parsi Dairy Farm’s License In Mumbai: Everything You Need To Know

Parsi Dairy Farm, a beloved place in Marine Lines, South Mumbai, has been a staple for dairy lovers for over a century. Known for its delicious offerings such as curd, lassi, ghee, and ice creams, this iconic brand has built a reputation for quality and ethical practices. However, recent events have cast a shadow over its legacy. Following an inspection by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Parsi Dairy Farm's FSSAI license was immediately suspended due to significant health and safety violations. The FDA team discovered alarming conditions, including fungal growth in production areas, raw materials stored on contaminated floors, and inadequate facilities for receiving raw milk.

Why Is Parsi Dairy Farm's License Canceled?

Located on Princess Street, this establishment has had its food license suspended due to significant safety violations. This action was taken following an inspection on July 14, which uncovered serious issues related to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and the related licensing regulations of 2011. The company's FSSAI license (No. 11517001000254) was revoked immediately on July 15 by the Assistant Commissioner (Food), Circle-I.

FDA inspectors reported alarming conditions during their visit, including mould and fungal growth in production and storage areas, a fly infestation, and unacceptable sanitation levels. Additionally, raw materials were discovered to be stored directly on the ground, and there were no systems in place for the proper reception of raw milk.

The absence of pest-proofing, a necessary Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), incomplete medical records of food handlers, and missing sanitation logs for transport vehicles were also noted. Crucially, many products lacked essential labeling, including “Best Before,” “Use By,” and “Expiration Date.”

What Happens To Parsi Dairy Farm Now?

These defects raised serious concerns about potential microbial contamination, posing a significant health risk to consumers. Consequently, the FDA has directed Parsi Dairy Farm to cease all operations related to manufacturing, storage, sale, and distribution of food items until further notification. Any violation of this order will lead to legal repercussions under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Moreover, the FDA has confiscated food items worth ₹35.36 lakh, stressing the necessity for strict adherence to food safety regulations.

Is Parsi Dairy Farm Taking Online Orders?

On Thursday, July 16, the FDA expanded its investigation to the Palghar branch of Parsi Dairy Farm, known for producing various dairy products. They collected eight samples, including Cooking Desi Cow Butter, Malai Paneer, and Cow Ghee for testing. The officials confiscated substantial quantities: 5,999 kg of Cow Butter valued at ₹ 31 lakh, 7.5 kg of loose paneer worth ₹5,700, and 87 kg of unlabelled colostrum priced at ₹93,960, totaling ₹ 32 lakhs, raising concerns over misbranding and quality issues. Consequently, both physical stores and online orders have been halted, shocking loyal customers.

Summing Up

The suspension of Parsi Dairy Farm's FSSAI license marks a major setback for one of Mumbai's oldest and most trusted dairy brands. The FDA's inspection revealed multiple hygiene and food safety violations, prompting authorities to halt the company's manufacturing, storage, sales, distribution, and online orders until further notice.