Food Safety Shock: FSSAI Suspends Three Brands Over Algae Hazards, Rusting Equipment, and Unchecked Hygiene Failures

Food Safety Shock: FSSAI Suspends Three Brands Over Algae Hazards, Rusting Equipment, and Unchecked Hygiene Failures​

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a major regulatory crackdown, immediately suspending the licenses of three food businesses due to severe hygiene and compliance failures. Narayani Foods, Zaiqaa Organixs, and A B Enterprise have all faced action following inspections that revealed significant lapses in sanitation and production standards.

The suspensions were implemented under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI highlighted that the violations ranged from finding algae near water sources to storing finished products on the floor, posing serious public health risks across the companies.

Hygiene Failures at Narayani Foods Lead to License Suspension​

Narayani Foods and Beverages in Odisha were cited for grave hygiene and food-safety lapses during the FSSAI assessment. Inspectors found unsatisfactory cleaning and sanitation standards at the unit.

Critical violations included observing algae around a tap-water area. Furthermore, processing and storage areas contained cobwebs and flies. Equipment within the facility was noted to have rust and corrosion.

The regulator also observed that finished goods were being stored directly on the floor and close to walls without proper pallets. This configuration created a clear potential risk of contamination. Narayani Foods recorded an overall compliance score of 25%, leading to its immediate license suspension.

Zaiqaa Organixs Scores Low as Unhygienic Conditions Warrant Suspension​

Zaiqaa Organixs (OPC) Private Limited, operating in Meghalaya, received a particularly low compliance rating from the regulator. FSSAI found that food was being manufactured, packed, and stored under severely unhygienic conditions at the premises.

The inspection flagged multiple issues including poor cleaning and dust throughout both processing and storage areas. The facility also suffered inadequate protection against pests.

Moreover, there were instances of rust and corrosion noted on the necessary processing equipment. Improper segregation of raw materials and finished products was also recorded by FSSAI. The unit achieved an overall compliance score of 12%, prompting a full suspension of its license until further orders are received.

A B Enterprise Faces Action Over Misleading Health Claims​

A B Enterprise faced regulatory action not for physical contamination, but due to violations related to product claims and unauthorized activities. FSSAI found that the business had made health-benefit claims on both product labels and promotional material.

These claims were found to contravene the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. The regulator also noted that A B Enterprise was conducting a manufacturing activity that had not been endorsed by its FSSAI license.

FSSAI stated it offered the business an opportunity for a personal hearing prior to suspension but received no communication or reply from the enterprise. The licence has therefore been suspended immediately, and the firm has been directed to cease all food-related activities until further notice.

Broadening FSSAI’s Enforcement Drive​

These recent suspensions are part of a wider enforcement initiative being undertaken by the regulator in recent weeks across various sectors. FSSAI has recently taken action against other entities following separate inspection findings.

Earlier this month, VKC Nuts and Chheda Specialities Foods were also subject to regulatory actions. These previous cases involved violations related to pests, mold, and sanitation failures at their respective units.