FSSAI suspends licences of Shivam Agro, TCF Chocolates over serious food safety violations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the food business licences of Shivam Agro and TCF Chocolates & Gifts Pvt Ltd with immediate effect after inspections revealed serious hygiene and food safety violations.

In a social media post, the regulator directed both companies to stop all food business activities during the suspension period, citing significant lapses in sanitation, pest control and regulatory compliance.

At TCF Chocolates & Gifts, the inspection followed a consumer complaint about food ordered through an e-commerce platform. Officials reportedly found inadequate cleaning, improper waste disposal and poorly maintained food-processing areas. The premises also had inadequate pest-control measures, cat droppings and uncovered drainage.

Expired food colours and flavours were found at the facility, while cleaning chemicals were stored near raw materials and food-related items. Inspectors also flagged inadequate protective measures for food handlers, missing mandatory food-safety records and labelling discrepancies on several products.

At Shivam Agro, officials reported flies, garbage, stagnant sewage water and spider infestation, along with inadequate cleaning of floors, equipment, walls and ceilings. The inspection also identified ineffective pest control, improper storage, poorly maintained equipment, a non-functional laboratory and labelling irregularities.

The regulator said the action was part of its enforcement efforts to protect consumers and ensure food businesses comply with prescribed safety and hygiene standards. In recent months, FSSAI has increasingly publicised enforcement actions against food business operators through social media.

with inputs from PTI