24 hours ago

FSSAI issues notices to KFC, Nestle, Flipkart

India’s food safety regulator has issued notices to several companies, including Nestlé, KFC and Flipkart, following complaints on social media alleging lapses in food safety and hygiene standards.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said it had initiated action based on complaints that surfaced online and sought detailed reports from the concerned food business operators (FBOs).

A notice was issued to a KFC outlet at MVR Mall in Eluru over alleged hygiene-related deficiencies. The regulator has asked the outlet to furnish details on hygiene, sanitation, food handling practices, storage conditions, waste management, pest control measures and employee hygiene standards, along with documentary evidence of corrective and preventive actions.

FSSAI also issued notices to Flipkart India and health-food brand Open Secret after a complaint alleged that worms were found in the ‘Open Secret Un-junked Dates’ product delivered through Flipkart Minutes. The companies have been asked to submit internal quality-check records, details of product withdrawal measures, and steps taken to prevent similar incidents in future.

Separately, the regulator sought an explanation from Nestlé over a complaint alleging the presence of worms or larvae in packets of its popular instant noodle brand, Maggi. The company has been directed to provide details of the concerned batch, vendor information, quality-control records and corrective measures undertaken.

The latest action underscores FSSAI’s increasing scrutiny of consumer complaints amplified through social media platforms, with the regulator routinely issuing show-cause and compliance notices in cases involving alleged contamination, pests or hygiene concerns.

Earlier this week, FSSAI advised food business operators to stop using newspapers for packaging, wrapping or serving food, citing potential health risks from ink and chemical contamination. The advisory followed a joint enforcement action by FSSAI’s Western Region and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation against a popular vada pav vendor in Mumbai found using newspapers for food packaging.

The regulator said food businesses must adhere to prescribed food safety standards and ensure that consumer health is not compromised at any stage of the supply chain.