NEW DELHI: Food regulator FSSAI on Thursday suspended the licences of Shivam Agro and TCF Chocolates & Gifts Pvt Ltd after finding gross violations of food safety rules.In a social media post, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said it had suspended the licences of the two companies with immediate effect “following serious food safety violations identified during inspection”.The regulator added that the action reinforces the importance of food safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.The two companies were directed to cease all food business activities during the suspension period.In the case of TCF Chocolates and Gifts, FSSAI said it received a consumer complaint regarding food ordered through an e-commerce platform.During the inspection, officials observed poor hygiene and sanitation conditions, including inadequate cleaning, improper waste disposal and poorly maintained food-processing areas.The food company was also not implementing proper pest-control measures, resulting in a pest infestation. Officials found cat droppings and uncovered drainage.“Expired food colours/flavours were found at the premises. Cleaning chemicals were also stored near raw materials and food-related materials,” it said.The person handling food did not have adequate protective measures. The company also failed to produce mandatory food-safety records related to pest control, cleaning, medical examinations, training, calibration, laboratory testing and audits.There were also labelling issues on many food products.In the case of Shivam Agro, severe hygiene and sanitation deficiencies were observed, including flies, garbage, stagnant sewage water, spider infestation and inadequate cleaning of floors, equipment, walls and ceilings.Ineffective pest-control measures, an improper storage system, use of bad equipment, a non-functional lab and labelling discrepancies were also observed during the inspection, prompting the regulator to suspend the licence.In the last six months, FSSAI has stepped up enforcement actions to safeguard consumer interest. It is also informing the public at large about the actions taken against food business operators (FBOs) through social media platforms.(With inputs from PTI)
