FSSAI halts two food firms over hygiene lapses
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the licenses of two food manufacturers—VKC Nuts Pvt Ltd and CHHEDA Specialities Foods Pvt Ltd—after inspections revealed severe hygiene and pest control violations at their facilities.
Live insects, mold, and a roaming lizard found at VKC Nuts
During an inspection of VKC Nuts’ Uttar Pradesh facility, FSSAI officials documented multiple breaches of food safety regulations. Live insects were discovered in stored pistachios, while heavy black mold covered walls and ceilings in the raw material storage area.
The regulator also noted rusted, damaged machinery in the processing section, along with old, chipped plastic trays and containers. A live lizard was spotted near uncovered crates of figs, and houseflies were observed landing on exposed food products. Pest control measures were deemed ineffective.
FSSAI’s findings suggest systemic failures in maintaining basic sanitation standards. The suspension will remain in effect until the company addresses deficiencies in waste management, infrastructure, and staff training.
Bare-handed food handling and contaminated floors at CHHEDA Specialities
In Maharashtra, CHHEDA Specialities Foods faced immediate license suspension after inspectors observed workers mixing besan dough with bare hands and peeling bananas while seated on floors near decomposing waste. The conditions raised concerns about cross-contamination and foodborne illness risks.
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The company must now implement corrective measures, including improved sanitation, pest control, and employee training, before its license can be reinstated. FSSAI emphasized that such violations pose direct threats to public health and will not be tolerated.
These suspensions follow a pattern of enforcement actions targeting food businesses that fail to meet safety standards. Similar cases in the past have involved companies across sectors, from dairy to packaged snacks, where lapses in hygiene led to product recalls or legal penalties. The regulator’s approach appears to prioritize preventive measures over reactive punishments, though the effectiveness of such actions often depends on follow-up inspections.
FSSAI maintains strict enforcement stance
In a statement, FSSAI reiterated its commitment to enforcing food safety laws across all sectors. The regulator’s social media post on Saturday framed the suspensions as part of a broader effort to protect consumer health, though it did not specify how often such violations occur or what proportion of inspections result in penalties.
The suspensions highlight persistent challenges in India’s food supply chain, where smaller manufacturers sometimes struggle to comply with evolving safety standards. While larger brands often invest in compliance, smaller players may lack the resources or awareness to maintain consistent hygiene practices.
For now, both companies remain barred from production until they demonstrate compliance. FSSAI has not indicated whether further actions, such as fines or product seizures, are under consideration.
