The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country’s food safety regulator has issued fresh notices to several popular food and retail brands dealing in edibles after taking cognisance of social media complaints which raised concerns over hygiene standards and alleged contamination in food products. 

The body has sought explanations from KFC, Nestle India, Flipkart India and Open Secret, after receiving complaints involving hygiene issues and the alleged presence of insects in packaged food items. 

FSSAI seeks detailed compliance reports

Officials aware of the development said the regulatory body has asked the concerned Food Business Operators (FBOs) to identify and report any deficiencies related to hygiene, sanitation, food handling, storage practices, waste management, pest control measures and employee hygiene protocols in the notices. 

Moreover, it has also directed the companies to furnish details of all corrective and preventive actions undertaken in response to the complaints, along with documentary evidence supporting the measures. Furthermore, it has requested records of internal quality checks conducted during the relevant period and sought assurances regarding steps being taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Until this report was being filed, none of the aforementioned companies responded to the FSSAI’s notices. 

Nestle India pulled over Maggi complaint

Among the cases which have drawn scrutiny is a complaint pertaining to a packet of Maggi noodles manufactured by Nestle India. The complaint alleged that an insect/larvae had been found inside the packaged product.

After the news of the FSSAI notice emerged on Friday, the shares of Nestle India plunged by more than 3%. The regulator has sought detailed information regarding the company’s quality control mechanisms and remedial measures undertaken following the complaint. 

Flipkart India, Open Secret under scanner too

FSSAI has also served notices to Flipkart India and health food brand Open Secret over allegations that a dates product purchased through Flipkart Minutes was infested with insects. Notably, the complaint had garnered widespread attention on social media, prompting the regulator to seek explanations from both the retailer and the manufacturer. Authorities have issued orders to both the companies to submit internal quality assurance records, inspection reports and evidence of any corrective action taken after the issue was reported. 

In a parallel development, KFC has also received a notice from FSSAI over complaints related to hygiene standards. The food safety watchdog has directed the company to review and report on sanitation practices, food handling procedures and compliance with prescribed food safety norms.