FSSAI suspends Switz Foods licence over serious hygiene failures at plant

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the licence of Switz Foods Pvt. Ltd., a food manufacturing company, following serious violations of food safety rules at its manufacturing unit. The regulator announced the decision on social media on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The FSSAI said the suspension comes after "serious non-compliances" were observed during an inspection of the company's factory. Food products were being manufactured, packed and stored in unhygienic conditions, posing a high risk of contamination and compromising food safety. The regulator stated that the overall cleaning and sanitation of the premises were unsatisfactory.

Specific issues highlighted by the FSSAI included unhygienic conditions in the crate washing area, reception area, washing area, and around the carrot cutting machine. Equipment, machinery, HDPE crates, trays, trolleys, moulds and heated kettles were not adequately cleaned and maintained. The inspection also revealed significant pest infestation, including flies, mosquitoes, fruit flies and cobwebs, on walls, broken floor tiles and greasy corners.

Further, the regulator found that 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. There was also insufficient segregation between raw materials and finished products, as well as between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items. Such lapses can lead to cross-contamination and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Consequently, the FSSAI has directed 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 Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This means Switz Foods cannot manufacture, store, pack, distribute or sell any food products until the issues are resolved.

The suspension is a significant enforcement action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which empowers the FSSAI to protect public health by regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food products. Regular inspections and strict compliance checks are part of the authority's mandate to ensure that consumers are not exposed to unsafe food.

Switz Foods has not yet made a public comment on the suspension. The company will need to undertake corrective measures and pass a fresh inspection before its licence can be reinstated. The FSSAI's action serves as a reminder to all food businesses that non-compliance with hygiene and safety norms can lead to serious consequences, including suspension of operations.

Food safety is a critical public health issue, and regulators across India are increasingly vigilant in monitoring food manufacturing units. This case highlights the importance of maintaining clean premises, proper equipment maintenance, and strict segregation of raw and finished products to prevent contamination. Consumers rely on the FSSAI to ensure that the food they purchase meets safety standards, and enforcement actions like this are essential to uphold that trust.