The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the licences of two food business operators after inspections found serious food safety, hygiene and compliance violations. The action comes as food safety authorities continue to intensify inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards.Key Highlights FSSAI suspended the licences of Shivam Agro and TCF Chocolates & Gifts Pvt. Ltd. Inspections found serious food safety and hygiene violations. Officials reported sanitation issues and pest-related concerns. The firms were also found lacking required food safety records. Food business activities have been ordered to stop during the suspension period. FSSAI Takes Action Against Two Food Businesses The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has taken action against M/s Shivam Agro and M/s TCF Chocolates & Gifts Pvt. Ltd. following inspections of their premises. According to the latest report, FSSAI suspended both licences with immediate effect after officials identified serious deficiencies related to food safety standards. The inspections reportedly found problems involving sanitation, pest control, food handling and mandatory documentation. The regulator's action means the affected businesses have to cease their food-related activities while the suspension remains in effect. Hygiene and Sanitation Violations Found Food safety inspections are intended to ensure that businesses maintain proper conditions for preparing, storing and handling food. In this case, officials found significant deficiencies at the inspected premises. Reported violations included poor sanitation, pest infestations and improper food-handling practices. Such conditions can create food safety risks when businesses fail to maintain appropriate hygiene standards and preventive measures. Missing Food Safety Records Also Raise Concern Apart from physical hygiene conditions, the inspections also identified shortcomings in maintaining mandatory food safety records. Food businesses are required to follow regulatory procedures and maintain documentation that demonstrates compliance with food safety requirements. The reported failure to maintain these records added to the concerns identified during the inspections. FSSAI's action reflects the regulator's enforcement approach when businesses are found to have serious compliance deficiencies. What the FSSAI Licence Suspension Means A food business licence suspension prevents the affected operator from continuing the food business activities covered by the suspension while the regulatory action remains in force. The latest action against Shivam Agro and TCF Chocolates & Gifts follows several other recent food safety enforcement measures across India. Food regulators have been carrying out inspections and taking action against establishments where serious hygiene or safety violations are detected. For consumers, such enforcement drives are intended to strengthen compliance and food safety standards across the food sector. Food Safety Inspections Continue Across India The latest FSSAI action comes amid increased scrutiny of food businesses in different parts of the country. Recent enforcement actions have also involved establishments where inspectors found issues such as pest infestation, poor sanitation, deteriorated food and inadequate storage conditions. For example, FSSAI recently suspended the licence of Delhi-based Seven Seas Hospitality after inspectors reported serious non-compliances, including fungal growth on food items, poor sanitation and pest-related problems. These inspections highlight the importance of maintaining proper hygiene, food storage, pest-control measures and regulatory documentation. Consumer Safety Remains the Focus FSSAI's enforcement measures are aimed at ensuring that food businesses follow prescribed safety and hygiene requirements. Licence suspension is one of the regulatory actions available when serious violations are identified. Businesses operating in the food sector are expected to maintain clean premises, follow safe food-handling practices, prevent pest infestation and maintain required records. The latest suspensions of Shivam Agro and TCF Chocolates & Gifts underline the importance of compliance with food safety regulations for businesses handling food products.
