A task force from the Telangana Food Safety Commissioner's office inspected nutraceutical manufacturing units in IDA Mallapur, Hyderabad on November 20-21, 2024, and found numerous instances of non-compliance with safety and hygiene regulations.
The inspections, focused on two manufacturing units: Vin Biomed and Nuvista Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd. The task force found several critical issues at both units, including expired raw materials, inadequate labeling, and poor hygiene practices.
Food Safety Raid at Vin Biomed Exposes Critical Issues:
On November 20, 2024, officials conducted a thorough inspection of Vin Biomed located in IDA Mallapur, Hyderabad. Officials discovered expired food coloring mixtures, essences, and CyanoCobalamin (Vitamin B12). The unit also lacked proper labeling on products like chocolate powder and vanilla powder, missing critical details like manufacturing dates, use-by dates, and FSSAI licenses. Stocks of Coenzyme Q10 powder and MK Cocoa Powder were seized due to invalid or missing FSSAI licenses and batch numbers.
The inspections revealed a lack of internal testing laboratories, inadequate pest control measures, and poor maintenance records. Consumer care numbers were also missing from product labels. Additionally, the premises were found to be vulnerable to pest infestation due to the absence of insect-proof screens and inadequately sealed doors. A loosely suspended thermocol false ceiling was dislodging particles into the food preparation and packaging areas, posing an additional risk to hygiene standards.
The task force confiscated 6 kilograms of Co-Enzyme Q10 (Nutra) Powder, valued at Rs 50,000, due to the absence of a valid FSSAI license. Additionally, 17 kilograms of MK Cocoa Powder worth Rs 6,800 were seized for lacking both an FSSAI license and a batch number.
These findings highlight significant lapses in safety protocols within the nutraceutical manufacturing sector in IDA Mallapur. The Telangana Food Safety Task Force's efforts to crack down on non-compliant units are a step in the right direction towards ensuring consumer safety.
Food Safety Raid at Nuvista Pharmaceutical Exposes Critical Issues:
On November 21, 2024, officials conducted a thorough inspection of Nuvista Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd, located in IDA Mallapur, Hyderabad. The inspection revealed a multitude of alarming issues that compromised the safety and quality of the food products manufactured at the facility.
One of the primary concerns was the lack of adequate ventilation and lighting throughout the premises. This was exacerbated by the presence of flaking plaster and shedding particles on the walls and ceiling, which posed a significant risk of contamination. Furthermore, the store room walls were damaged, leading to water seepage that further compromised hygiene standards.
In addition to the infrastructural issues, the inspection team also found that some food handlers were not adhering to proper hygiene protocols. Specifically, some handlers were found without head caps or gloves, which is a critical breach of food safety regulations. Moreover, medical fitness certificates for the food handlers were unavailable, raising concerns about the health and well-being of the individuals handling food products.
The facility's lack of compliance with food safety regulations was further evident in its failure to display a copy of its FSSAI license. This license is a critical document that certifies a food business operator's compliance with food safety standards. The absence of this license raised serious questions about the facility's commitment to food safety.
The inspection team also noted that the facility lacked an internal and external audit mechanism, which is essential for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Moreover, the facility did not have an effective consumer complaint redressal mechanism in place, which is critical for addressing consumer concerns and ensuring public trust.
The food business operator's failure to maintain appropriate documentation and records was another significant concern. The absence of proper records made it difficult to track the movement of food products, which is essential for ensuring food safety. The damaged store room walls, which indicated water seepage, further highlighted the need for proper record-keeping and maintenance.
In a preceding operation, the food safety task force launched a thorough inspection of two ginger-garlic paste manufacturing facilities situated in Hyderabad's Katedan area on November 19, 2024. Upon examination, numerous and significant breaches of food safety regulations were uncovered at both establishments. Consequently, the officials announced the suspension of the operating licenses for both facilities, citing the serious nature of the violations.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)