The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the food business licence of Switz Foods Private Limited after an inspection of its manufacturing facility revealed serious violations of food safety and hygiene standards.
The food safety regulator announced on X that the company has been directed to immediately stop all food business activities at the facility until the identified deficiencies are rectified and full compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is restored.
According to FSSAI, the inspection uncovered multiple non-compliances that posed a significant risk to food safety. Food products were reportedly being manufactured, packed and stored under unhygienic conditions, increasing the risk of contamination.
Inspectors also found poor cleaning and sanitation standards in several areas of the facility, including the crate washing section, non-vegetarian food reception area, and the washing area near the carrot-cutting machine.
FSSAI reported that machinery, crates, trays, trolleys, moulds, heated kettles, and other food-contact surfaces were inadequately cleaned and maintained. Water was also found leaking from air-conditioning pipelines over the product storage area, while the crate-washing equipment was not functioning.
The inspection further identified rust and corrosion on food-processing equipment and utensils, inadequate lighting and ventilation, and improper storage of food materials, chemicals, and employees' personal belongings.
Officials also observed 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, and a ready-to-eat chicken sandwich was found without mandatory labelling.
FSSAI said the company will not be allowed to resume operations until all deficiencies are corrected and the manufacturing facility fully complies with food safety regulations.
With Inputs From IANS
