The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) 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.
The inspection report listed four major non-conformities that led to the suspension:
- Food was prepared in unhygienic conditions: Food was manufactured, packed and stored in unhygienic conditions, creating a high risk of contamination and compromising food safety.
- Poor cleaning and sanitation: Inspectors found unsatisfactory cleaning and sanitation across the premises. Unhygienic conditions were seen in the crate washing area, the non-vegetarian food reception area and the washing area near the carrot cutting machine.
- Poor maintenance of equipment: Equipment, machinery, HDPE crates, trays, trolleys, moulds and heated kettles were not cleaned or maintained properly. Inspectors also found water leaking from AC pipelines over the product storage area. The crate washing equipment was also non-functional.
- Rust and missing insect-proof protection: Exhaust fans did not have insect-proof screens. Rust and corrosion were found on food processing equipment, ventilation systems and food-contact utensils.
- Inadequate infrastructure: The premises had inadequate lighting, ventilation and storage facilities for food materials, chemicals and personnel belongings.
- Pest infestation and structural damage: Inspectors observed significant pest infestation, including flies, mosquitoes, fruit flies and cobwebs. The facility also had flaking paint, damp walls, broken floor tiles, greasy corners and oil residue accumulation across the premises.
- Improper handling of food products: Semi-finished and intermediate food products were not properly covered. Dustbins were placed next to food handling areas, while drainage systems were not fitted with protective traps or screens.
- Poor segregation practices: The facility failed to maintain proper segregation between semi-finished and finished products, as well as between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
- Lack of traceability and improper storage: Raw materials and semi-finished products lacked date markings and use-by details. Finished products were stored on unclean trays without protective liners, and scrap equipment was kept inside the cold storage area.
- Unsafe food handling: Inspectors found cut chicken being thawed at ambient temperature instead of under controlled conditions. They also observed inadequate temperature control and found a finished chicken sandwich without the mandatory labelling.
What happens next for Switz Foods?
FSSAI has directed Switz Foods to immediately stop all food-related business operations until all shortcomings are corrected. The company must take corrective measures and comply with food safety regulations before it can seek restoration of its licence.
