The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has stepped up enforcement action against food business operators, with licence suspensions and other regulatory measures following inspections that flagged serious food safety and hygiene violations.
CHHEDA Specialities Foods Pvt. is a Mumbai-based manufacturer and exporter of ethnic snacks, banana chips and related products and was raided over critical food-safety violations. The company is based in Kandivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, and has been operating for approximately 25 years. They hold FSSAI certification, ISO 22000:2005, and are HACCP ready.
In another development, the licence of M/s VKC Nuts Pvt. in Uttar Pradesh was suspended after inspectors reported multiple critical non-compliances at its facility, the FSSAI posted on X.
According to inspection findings, live insects were detected in pistachios stored in the finished goods storage area, raising concerns over potential food contamination. Inspectors also observed heavy black mould and fungal growth on the walls and ceilings of the raw material storage facility.
The storage area was reportedly found in poor hygienic condition, with a dirty and greasy floor, rat droppings and food remains. The inspection also identified rusted and damaged machinery, chipped utensils, peeling paint and damaged plaster, highlighting deficiencies in the facility's infrastructure and sanitation practices.
In another serious observation, a live lizard was reportedly found near open crates containing figs. Houseflies were also seen on food products, while rodent droppings and damaged cartons containing dates were observed at the premises.
The findings point to lapses across multiple stages of food handling and storage, prompting regulatory intervention by the food safety authorities.
FSSAI has been intensifying inspections and enforcement against food businesses over violations involving hygiene, manufacturing practices, product safety, labelling and misleading claims.
Depending on the nature and severity of violations, the regulator can initiate measures including suspension or cancellation of licences, prohibition orders and restrictions on the sale of non-compliant food products.
The latest enforcement drive underscores the regulator's growing focus on strengthening food safety compliance and protecting consumers from products that may pose health risks.
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