Inspections at TCF Chocolates and Gifts and Shivam Agro reportedly uncovered pest infestations, sanitation lapses, improper storage and labelling deficiencies, prompting the food safety regulator to order both businesses to halt operations during the suspension period.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the food business licences of TCF Chocolates and Gifts and Shivam Agro after inspections identified multiple food safety and hygiene violations. The action, announced on Thursday, October 1, 2026, requires both operators to cease all food business activities during the suspension period.
The latest enforcement measures highlight the importance of hygiene, sanitation, safe storage, pest control and accurate product labelling across India's food processing and distribution industry. The findings also underscore the role of inspections and consumer complaints in identifying potential risks within food supply chains.
Consumer Complaint Triggers Inspection at TCF Chocolates and Gifts
According to FSSAI, an inspection was conducted at the premises of TCF Chocolates and Gifts following a consumer complaint concerning food ordered through an e-commerce platform.
The inspection reportedly identified poor hygiene and sanitation, pest infestation, cat droppings and uncovered drainage in food processing areas. Officials also found expired food colours and flavours on the premises, while cleaning chemicals were stored close to raw materials and other food-related items.
The regulator additionally flagged inadequate hygiene practices among food handlers, including shortcomings in protective measures and jewellery control.
TCF Chocolates and Gifts was also found to have deficiencies in product labelling, including inadequate declaration of food product names. FSSAI cited a compliance score of just 14 per cent during a previous inspection, attributed to the non-availability of required documentation.
These findings raise concerns about the controls used to prevent contamination and maintain traceability during food preparation and processing. Proper separation of chemicals from ingredients, effective pest management and appropriate personal hygiene practices are important safeguards in food-handling environments.
Shivam Agro Inspection Reveals Storage and Equipment Concerns
The inspection at Shivam Agro identified a separate set of deficiencies involving sanitation, storage practices, equipment maintenance and laboratory testing.
FSSAI reported the presence of flies, garbage, stagnant sewage water and spider infestation. Cleaning of floors, equipment, walls and ceilings was found to be inadequate, while signs of rodent activity and ineffective pest-control measures were also observed.
Storage practices were another area of concern. Food ingredients and non-food items were reportedly stored together, while food articles were kept in corridors and temporary storage areas rather than in appropriate designated locations.
Inspectors also found rusting and corroded equipment. According to the regulator, iron or ferrous tanks and vessels were being used to blend edible oil without satisfactory demonstration that the materials were suitable for food contact.
Equipment condition and material suitability are important considerations in food manufacturing because food-contact surfaces must be appropriate for their intended use and maintained to prevent contamination.
Non-Functional Laboratory and Missing Testing Records
FSSAI reported that Shivam Agro's in-house laboratory was not functional during the inspection. The company also failed to produce the required records of periodic testing of finished food products.
Routine testing and documented quality checks help food businesses verify that products meet applicable safety and quality requirements. Missing records can also make it difficult to demonstrate that quality-control procedures have been consistently followed.
The inspection further identified labelling deficiencies involving a plant-based edible oil. These included incorrect declarations relating to serving information and cholesterol.
Accurate labels are important for consumers seeking information about the nature, composition and nutritional characteristics of products. For food businesses, labelling compliance is also a key part of quality assurance and regulatory oversight.
Both Businesses Ordered to Suspend Food Operations
Following the inspections, FSSAI directed TCF Chocolates and Gifts and Shivam Agro to stop all food business activities during the period of licence suspension.
The action is a regulatory measure intended to address the reported deficiencies. The information provided in the announcement does not establish whether either operator has subsequently completed corrective measures or whether the suspensions have been lifted.
The next steps for the businesses will depend on the applicable regulatory process and the resolution of the deficiencies identified by the authorities. Any resumption of operations would need to comply with the regulator's directions and applicable food safety requirements.
Growing Importance of Food Safety Compliance
The action comes amid increased attention to food safety enforcement, including inspections prompted by consumer complaints and concerns about hygiene at food premises. The findings in these two cases illustrate how problems can extend beyond cleanliness to include storage, pest control, equipment suitability, laboratory testing, documentation and labelling.
For businesses selling food through online platforms, the case also highlights the importance of maintaining food safety standards throughout the supply chain. Digital ordering may change how consumers access products, but it does not reduce the responsibility of food operators to comply with applicable safety requirements.
Food manufacturers and processors can reduce compliance risks by maintaining documented cleaning schedules, conducting regular pest-control checks, separating chemicals from ingredients, inspecting food-contact equipment, retaining product-testing records and reviewing labels before products are distributed.
Implications for Consumers and the Food Industry
For consumers, the enforcement action reinforces the value of checking product labels, buying from reliable sources and reporting suspected food safety issues through appropriate channels. A consumer complaint can help authorities identify premises that may require inspection, although the findings in each case must be assessed on their own evidence.
For food businesses, licence suspension can interrupt operations and create additional costs associated with corrective action, equipment maintenance, documentation and compliance reviews. The wider commercial impact depends on the duration of the suspension, the nature of the deficiencies and the steps required to meet regulatory expectations.
The cases also demonstrate that food safety compliance is an ongoing operational responsibility rather than a one-time certification exercise. Effective systems must cover premises hygiene, employee practices, storage, equipment, testing and consumer-facing information.
Outlook
FSSAI's suspension of the licences of TCF Chocolates and Gifts and Shivam Agro puts the spotlight on the need for stronger hygiene and quality-control systems across food businesses. The reported findings include pest infestations, sanitation failures, unsuitable storage practices, equipment concerns, missing testing records and labelling deficiencies.
The immediate priority for both operators is to address the issues identified by the regulator and comply with the conditions governing their suspended licences. For the broader food industry, the episode serves as a reminder that consistent documentation, preventive controls and regular internal audits are essential to maintaining consumer confidence and meeting food safety obligations.