Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) suspended the licence of Rehaan Healthcare after inspectors identified serious food safety violations at the company’s health supplements and nutraceuticals manufacturing facility.

FSSAI directed the company, which manufactures digestive syrups, multivitamin syrups and other syrup-based food supplements, to immediately cease all manufacturing and food business activities until it rectifies all deficiencies and the competent authority verifies compliance. The regulator also warned that it would initiate legal action if the company violates the suspension order.

Inspection Revealed Widespread Non-Compliance

In a statement shared on social media, FSSAI said the manufacturing unit received an overall compliance score of just 12%, indicating severe non-compliance with food safety regulations.

The inspection found the facility to be extremely unhygienic and poorly maintained. According to the regulator, sediments of filth and sludge had accumulated beneath manufacturing tanks, raw materials were stored in a disorganised manner, and poor housekeeping practices created a significant risk of cross-contamination.

Major Hygiene and Infrastructure Lapses

FSSAI also identified several deficiencies in the unit’s infrastructure and operational practices, including:

• Inadequate storage facilities
• Insufficient workspace
• Poor ventilation and lighting
• Damaged infrastructure
• Pest infestation
• Absence of a valid drinking water test report

Inspectors further reported the presence of spider webs, mould growth, flies, insects and exposed food waste within the manufacturing area.

High-Risk Products Demand Stricter Compliance

The regulator emphasised that the facility manufactures health supplements and nutraceuticals, which are considered a high-risk food category as they are often consumed by children and other vulnerable populations. FSSAI stated that the unhygienic conditions and failure to implement essential food safety controls posed a serious and imminent threat to public health, making immediate regulatory action necessary.

Continued Crackdown on Food Safety Violations

The suspension is part of FSSAI’s ongoing enforcement drive against food businesses that fail to comply with safety and labelling regulations. In recent months, the regulator has taken action against several companies over misleading claims, improper labelling and food safety violations, including issuing notices to energy drink manufacturers, alcoholic beverage companies and e-commerce platforms.

According to FSSAI, these enforcement measures are based on consumer complaints, suo motu investigations and routine inspections conducted by food safety officials.

Source: MSN