The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the Food Business Licence of Switz Foods Private Limited with immediate effect after detecting serious violations of food safety regulations during an inspection of the company’s manufacturing facility. The regulator said the action was taken following the discovery of multiple critical deficiencies that could compromise food safety and consumer health. The company has been directed to cease all food business activities until the identified shortcomings are fully addressed and compliance with food safety standards is restored.
According to FSSAI, inspectors found that food products were being manufactured, packaged and stored under extremely poor hygienic conditions. The facility reportedly failed to maintain basic cleanliness and sanitation standards, creating an environment that significantly increased the risk of food contamination and potential health hazards for consumers.
During the inspection, officials observed unsatisfactory sanitation practices across several sections of the manufacturing unit. Areas used for food processing contained dirt, grease and visible signs of poor maintenance. The inspection team also found that routine sanitation procedures were not being consistently followed, constituting a clear breach of established food safety norms.
FSSAI further reported that production machinery and food-contact equipment were not being maintained or cleaned in accordance with prescribed standards. HDPE crates, trays, trolleys, moulds, heated kettles and other processing equipment were found to be inadequately cleaned. The regulator noted that proper maintenance and regular sanitation of such equipment are essential to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of food products.
Inspectors also documented a significant pest infestation within the manufacturing premises. Flies, mosquitoes, fruit flies and spider webs were found in different areas of the facility. In addition, officials recorded dirty walls, broken floor tiles, grease accumulation in corners and several other maintenance deficiencies. FSSAI said such conditions represent a serious lapse in food processing operations and substantially increase the likelihood of food contamination.
The inspection further revealed that the company had failed to maintain proper segregation between raw materials and finished food products. Officials also found that vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were not being stored or handled separately, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and compromising product quality and food safety.
Considering the seriousness of these violations, FSSAI suspended the company’s Food Business Licence with immediate effect. The regulator directed the company to discontinue all food manufacturing, processing, packaging and marketing activities until every identified deficiency has been rectified and full compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and all applicable regulations has been achieved.
The action is being viewed as a strong regulatory message that non-compliance with hygiene and food safety standards will not be tolerated. FSSAI continues to conduct inspections of food manufacturing facilities across the country and has reiterated that strict enforcement measures will be taken wherever violations affecting food quality, hygiene or consumer safety are identified. The regulator said such inspections remain a key part of its efforts to strengthen food safety compliance and ensure that consumers have access to safe and hygienic food products.
