Overview

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) suspended the food business licence of Kolkata-based Switz Foods Private Limited after inspectors uncovered serious food safety and hygiene violations at the company’s manufacturing unit.

In a social media post on August 1, 2026, FSSAI said its inspection identified multiple non-compliances that created a high risk of food contamination. Inspectors found the company manufacturing, packing, and storing food under unhygienic conditions, compromising food safety.

Based on these findings, FSSAI suspended the company’s licence with immediate effect and directed Switz Foods to stop all food business operations until it rectifies the deficiencies and complies with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to the satisfaction of the competent authority.

Inspection Uncovers Multiple Food Safety Lapses

During the inspection, FSSAI identified widespread deficiencies across the manufacturing facility, including poor hygiene, inadequate maintenance, unsafe food handling practices, weak infrastructure, and pest infestation.

Inspectors Find Poor Hygiene Across the Facility

Inspectors found poor cleaning and sanitation in the crate washing area, non-vegetarian food reception area, washing area, and near the carrot-cutting machine.

They also found that the company had failed to properly clean and maintain machinery, HDPE crates, trays, trolleys, moulds, heated kettles, and other food-contact equipment. In addition, water leaked from AC pipelines over product storage areas, and the crate-washing equipment remained non-functional.

Poor Infrastructure and Pest Infestation Raise Concerns

FSSAI found inadequate lighting, ventilation, and storage facilities for food materials, chemicals, and employees’ personal belongings.

Inspectors also observed widespread pest infestation, including flies, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and cobwebs. They found rust and corrosion on food-processing equipment, flaking paint, damp walls, broken floor tiles, greasy corners, and oil residue throughout the facility. The company had also failed to install insect-proof screens on exhaust fans.

Unsafe Food Handling and Storage Practices

Inspectors found several unsafe food handling practices throughout the facility. Workers left semi-finished products uncovered, placed dustbins close to food handling areas, and failed to fit drainage systems with protective traps or screens.

The inspection also revealed poor segregation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods and between semi-finished and finished products, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

Inspectors found that the company had not labelled raw materials and semi-finished products with date markings or use-by information. Workers stored finished products on unclean trays without protective liners and kept scrap equipment inside cold storage areas. The inspection further revealed that workers thawed cut chicken at room temperature instead of under controlled conditions. Inspectors also found inadequate temperature control and discovered a finished chicken sandwich without the mandatory labelling.

FSSAI Halts Operations Until Compliance

FSSAI has directed Switz Foods to halt all food business activities until it corrects every deficiency identified during the inspection. The regulator will keep the licence suspended until the company demonstrates full compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and satisfies the competent authority.

The action reflects FSSAI’s continued efforts to strengthen enforcement and ensure that food businesses maintain high standards of hygiene, sanitation, infrastructure, and safe food handling.

Source: The Hindu

Financial Express