Food safety raids in IDA Mallapur seize expired, non-compliant nutraceuticals
Mallapur: The Telangana State Commissioner of Food Safety's Task Force conducted inspections at nutraceutical manufacturing units in IDA Mallapur on November 20 and 21, 2024, revealing several violations concerning food safety standards.
Vin Biomed, IDA Mallapur
On November 20, 2024, food safety authorities raided Vin Biomed, a nutraceutical manufacturing unit, and discovered numerous violations. The raw materials found on-site, including food colour mixture, essences, and CyanoCobalamin (Vitamin B12), were expired and beyond their best-before dates. These expired materials were discarded immediately. Additionally, ingredients like Chocolate Powder (500g) and Vanilla Powder (500g) lacked proper labelling, including manufacturing dates, use-by dates, FSSAI licenses, and logos.
The authorities seized 6 kg of Co-Enzyme Q10 (Nutra) Powder worth Rs. 50,000 due to the absence of a valid FSSAI license on the label. Similarly, 17 kg of MK Cocoa Powder worth Rs. 6,800 was seized for not displaying the FSSAI license and batch number.
Further inspection revealed that Vin Biomed lacked an internal testing laboratory and failed to provide test reports for food articles. Water stagnation was noted near the mixing area, and the premises were found to be inadequately protected against pests, with no insect-proof screens or properly sealed doors. The food preparation and packaging areas had thermocol false ceilings that were loosely hanging and shedding particles.
The company was also found lacking critical documentation, including a food recall mechanism, cleaning schedule records, and consumer care numbers on product labels. No FoSTaC-trained personnel were present on-site.
Nuvista Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., IDA Mallapur
The following day, on November 21, 2024, officials raided Nuvista Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. and identified several food safety issues. The premises were found to be non-compliant with basic regulatory requirements, including the absence of an FSSAI license copy displayed on-site. The facility's walls and ceilings had flaking plaster, and there was inadequate ventilation and lighting.
Health and safety concerns were raised as medical fitness certificates for food handlers were not available. Additionally, the premises lacked an internal and external audit system. The company also did not have an effective consumer complaint redressal mechanism in place.
Other issues included poorly maintained documentation, a damaged storeroom with water seepage, and food handlers working without the required head caps and gloves.