FSSAI Suspends Switz Foods' Licence Over Food Safety Violations
FSSAI has suspended Switz Foods' licence after an inspection found multiple food safety and hygiene violations at its manufacturing facility.
SociapaHQ
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the food business licence of Switz Foods Pvt Ltd following an inspection at the company’s manufacturing unit which found multiple violations of the food safety laws.
The food regulator said the inspection revealed serious non-compliances, including the manufacture, packing and storage of food in unhygienic conditions, which presented a high risk of contamination and compromised food safety.
On the basis of the findings, the FSSAI directed the company to stop all food business operations with immediate effect. Switz Foods can only resume its operations after redressal of the identified deficiencies and approval of the competent authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the regulator said.
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Safety Violations:
The inspection found that the overall standards of cleaning and sanitation in the facility were unsatisfactory,” FSSAI said.
The regulator also discovered unhygienic conditions in several parts of the plant including the crate washing facility, reception area, washing section and the carrot cutting machine.
Inspectors also found that equipment and machinery such as HDPE crates, trays, trolleys, moulds and heated kettles were not adequately cleaned or maintained.
The inspection also found substantial pest infestation, including flies, mosquitoes, fruit flies and cobwebs, as well as cracked floor tiles and grease build-up in numerous corners of the facility.
FSSAI also found raw material and semi-finished food products left uncovered, dustbins in food handling areas were not properly lidded and drainage systems were inadequately covered, among other deficiencies.
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“The company has failed to maintain proper segregation of raw materials and finished products and the vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were not stored separately which is not in accordance with the prescribed food safety norms,” the regulator said.
FSSAI stated that the suspension will continue to be in force until the company rectifies all the deficiencies and complies with the requirements laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act before restoration of its licence is sought.
