Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 1: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Saturday 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 norms.
The food regulator, in a post on social media platform X, directed the company to immediately halt 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 uncovered 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 risk of contamination.
The inspection also found poor cleaning and sanitation standards 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 regulator further detected rust and corrosion on food-processing equipment and utensils, inadequate lighting and ventilation, and improper storage of food materials, chemicals and employees' personal belongings.
It also reported significant pest infestation, including flies, mosquitoes and fruit flies, besides cobwebs, damp walls, peeling paint, broken floor tiles and oil residue across the premises.
The inspection revealed improper segregation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products, as well as between semi-finished and finished goods. Raw materials and intermediate products were found without date markings, while a ready-to-eat chicken sandwich lacked the mandatory labelling requirements.
FSSAI said the company will not be permitted to resume operations until all deficiencies are rectified and the manufacturing facility fully complies with food safety regulations.