The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the licences of two food business operators (FBOs), Shivam Agro and TCF Chocolates & Gifts Pvt. Ltd., with immediate effect following inspections that identified serious food safety and hygiene violations at their premises.

The inspections found multiple lapses, including poor sanitation, pest infestation, inadequate pest-control measures, and deficiencies in food handling and storage practices.

The FBOs have been directed to cease all food business activities during the suspension period, according to the notices issued by the food safety authority.

At TCF Chocolates & Gifts, inspectors reported poor hygiene and sanitation conditions, along with pest infestation at the premises.

The inspection also identified expired food colors and flavors, inadequate personal hygiene and protective measures among food handlers, and deficiencies in food-contact materials and labelling. The establishment was also unable to produce mandatory food-safety records during the inspection.

At Shivam Agro, officials reported severe hygiene and sanitation deficiencies, including evidence of rodent activity.

The inspection further found improper storage of food and non-food items, as well as rusting and corroded equipment that could pose food safety concerns.

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The inspection at Shivam Agro also highlighted deficiencies in laboratory testing records. Officials additionally found incorrect labelling of serving information and cholesterol content on a plant-based edible product.

The licence suspensions come as part of FSSAI’s regulatory action to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements among food business operators. The action underscores the requirement for FBOs to maintain appropriate sanitation, pest-control, food-handling, storage, labelling, testing, and documentation practices.

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Both establishments are required to comply with the suspension orders and stop food business operations for the duration specified by the authority.