FSSAI suspends Switz Foods' licence over major food safety violations
New Delhi, Aug 1
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on Saturday said that it suspended the food business licence of Switz Foods Private Limited after an inspection of its manufacturing facility uncovered serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms.
Taking to the social media platform X, the food regulator has directed the company to immediately stop all food business activities at the facility until the identified deficiencies are rectified and full compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is restored.
According to FSSAI, the inspection revealed multiple non-conformities that posed a significant risk to food safety. Food products were found to be manufactured, packed and stored under unhygienic conditions, increasing the possibility of contamination.
The authority also found poor standards of cleaning and sanitation across the facility, including the crate washing area, non-vegetarian food reception section and the washing area near the carrot-cutting machine.
FSSAI said several equipment and food-contact surfaces, including machinery, crates, trays, trolleys, moulds and heated kettles, were inadequately cleaned and maintained. Inspectors also noticed water leaking from air-conditioning pipelines over the product storage area, while the crate-washing equipment was found to be non-functional.
The inspection further revealed rust and corrosion on food-processing equipment and utensils, inadequate lighting and ventilation, and improper storage arrangements for food materials, chemicals and personnel belongings.
The regulator also reported significant pest infestation, including flies, mosquitoes and fruit flies, along with cobwebs, damp walls, peeling paint, broken floor tiles and oil residue across the premises.
In addition, FSSAI found improper segregation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products as well as between semi-finished and finished goods. Raw materials and intermediate products lacked date markings, while a ready-to-eat chicken sandwich was found without the mandatory labelling requirements.
The food regulator said the company will not be allowed to resume operations until all deficiencies are addressed and the manufacturing facility complies fully with food safety regulations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's good to see regulators actually doing their job. The lack of basic hygiene and pest infestation is shocking, especially for a company that claims to follow food safety standards. I hope this serves as a warning to other manufacturers.
This is why I always check labels and prefer local brands. But this also shows that inspections need to be more frequent and random. Companies should be scared of getting caught, not just pay fines and continue business as usual.
The non-vegetarian and vegetarian mixing is absolutely unacceptable! In India, this is a major issue, not just a hygiene concern. Companies need to respect our cultural and religious sensitivities. FSSAI should also impose heavy penalties so they think twice before doing this again.
I work in the food sector and these violations are shocking but not surprising. The real issue is that FSSAI doesn't have enough resources for regular inspections, and even when they find problems, the legal process takes years. We need faster enforcement and stricter penalties.
Good to see that FSSAI is finally taking firm action against food safety violations. These companies in India always prioritise profits over consumer health. Proud of the regulator for doing its job! 🇮🇳
L Lisa P While We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.