The Pune Food and Drug Administration has suspended the food licence of Pasteur Ice Cream Parlour on MG Road in Pune Camp after an inspection found rodent infestation, poor sanitation, unsafe storage practices and other regulatory violations at the establishment.
The suspension was ordered with immediate effect on November 10 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The action was taken as part of the FDA’s ‘Safe Food Safe Maharashtra’ campaign. Licensing authority N R Sarkate, designated officer of Circle 6, ordered the suspension until further orders after food safety officer Satish Hake inspected the premises.
According to the FDA, inspectors found rodent droppings beneath racks and freezers in the kitchen. The inspection also recorded cobwebs, dust and peeling wall surfaces, which the department cited as evidence of poor sanitation and inadequate pest control. These findings formed part of the basis for the immediate regulatory action against the outlet.
The FDA further reported that fruits and other food items were stored alongside sanitisers and disinfectants, creating a risk of chemical contamination. Food products kept in freezers reportedly did not carry best-before dates or other date markings, making it difficult to establish their permitted period of use.
The establishment was also allegedly operating beyond the scope of its licence. While it held a retailer’s licence, the FDA said it was preparing and selling items including samosas, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pav bhaji and falooda. The department also reported that the outlet could not produce water and food testing reports or FoSTaC training certificates for its employees.
The inspection found an additional compliance gap involving customer information. The FDA said the establishment did not display the mandatory notice informing customers about the availability of free drinking water.
The suspension prohibits Pasteur Ice Cream Parlour from carrying out any food-related business during the period covered by the order. The FDA’s action means that the outlet cannot continue food preparation or sales while the licence remains suspended.
Joint Commissioner of the FDA’s Pune division Shrikant Karkale warned that any violation of the suspension order would invite strict legal action. The department has not stated in the supplied report when the establishment may seek restoration of its licence or what corrective measures will be required before any further decision.
