The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday, 1 October 2026, suspended the licences of TCF Chocolates and Gifts Private Limited and Shivam Agro with immediate effect, following inspections that uncovered serious food safety and hygiene violations at both facilities in New Delhi. The action came after a consumer complaint about food ordered through an e-commerce platform triggered the initial inquiry into TCF Chocolates.

What inspectors found at TCF Chocolates and Gifts

Officials who inspected the TCF Chocolates and Gifts premises discovered poor hygiene and sanitation standards, active pest infestation, cat droppings, and uncovered drainage running through food processing areas. Expired food colours and flavours were found on site, and cleaning chemicals were reportedly stored in close proximity to raw materials, raising contamination concerns.

Food-handler hygiene was found to be inadequate, including lapses in jewellery control measures — a standard requirement to prevent physical contamination. Notably, TCF Chocolates had recorded a compliance score of only 14 per cent during a previous inspection, owing to the non-availability of required documentation.

Conditions discovered at Shivam Agro

At Shivam Agro, inspectors observed flies, garbage, stagnant sewage water, and spider infestation across the facility. Floors, equipment, walls, and ceilings were inadequately cleaned, and evidence of rodent activity was found alongside ineffective pest-control measures.

Inspectors also flagged rusting and corroded equipment, including iron and ferrous tanks and vessels being used for blending edible oil — materials whose suitability for food-contact applications the company could not satisfactorily demonstrate. Food ingredients were found stored alongside non-food items, with products kept in corridors and temporary storage areas, contrary to prescribed safety norms.

The facility lacked a functional in-house laboratory, and the company failed to produce records of periodic testing of finished food products during the inspection.

Labelling deficiencies and regulatory action

Both firms were found to have labelling deficiencies. TCF Chocolates and Gifts did not adequately declare food product names on labels, while Shivam Agro was found to have incorrectly declared serving information and cholesterol content on a plant-based edible oil product.

'The licences of FBOs Shivam Agro and TCF Chocolates & Gifts Private Limited have been suspended with immediate effect following serious food safety violations identified during inspection,' FSSAI stated.

Both companies have been directed to immediately cease all food business activities for the duration of the suspension period.

Broader context

This action is part of FSSAI's ongoing drive to enforce compliance across food businesses operating through e-commerce platforms, a channel that has seen a sharp rise in consumer complaints in recent years. The regulator has increasingly used surprise inspections and complaint-based audits to identify operators whose on-ground practices fall far short of their registered standards. Both suspensions serve as a signal that low compliance scores and repeat violations carry material consequences.