Inspection reveals unhygienic manufacturing, pest infestation, and improper storage at company's facility

Due to infractions of food safety regulations at its manufacturing facility, Switz Foods Pvt Ltd's license has been suspended by the food regulator FSSAI. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced on social media on Saturday that it has suspended Switz Foods' license due to "serious non-compliances" found during the manufacturing facility's inspection.

"Food was being manufactured, packed and stored in unhygienic conditions, posing a high risk of contamination and compromising food safety," the FSSAI said. Hence, the regulator said the FSSAI licence has been suspended. Further, the FSSAI has asked the company to immediately cease all food business activities until it rectifies all deficiencies and complies with the rules to the satisfaction of the competent authority under the FSS Act, 2006.

The FSSAI elaborated on the default by pointing out that the premises' general cleanliness and sanitation were inadequate. "Unhygienic conditions were observed in the crate washing area, reception area, washing area, and carrot cutting machine," the regulator added.

Regarding additional disparities, the FSSAI claimed that machinery, HDPE boxes, trays, trolleys, molds, and heated kettles were not properly maintained and cleaned. Significant pest infestations, including flies, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and cobwebs, were also noted by the regulator on walls, cracked floor tiles, and oily corners. "Raw materials and semi-finished food products were not properly covered. Dustbins in food handling areas and drainage systems were not fitted with proper lids," it said. The FSSAI pointed out that the company did not do proper segregation between raw materials and finished products.