Worms, hygiene lapses: FSSAI acts against Nestlé, KFC, Flipkart
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New Delhi: India’s food safety regulator has initiated action against some of the country’s most prominent food and e-commerce brands following a series of consumer complaints that triggered concerns over product quality and hygiene standards. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to Nestlé India, KFC India, Flipkart India and packaged food brand Open Secret after examining complaints that gained traction on social media.
The action follows allegations ranging from the presence of insects in packaged food products to serious lapses in food handling and sanitation practices. Nestlé India came under scrutiny after a consumer reported finding live insects and worms inside a packet of Maggi noodles and shared evidence online, prompting regulatory intervention.
KFC India was served a notice after food safety authorities reportedly identified severe hygiene deficiencies at a KFC outlet located in MVR Mall in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. The regulator flagged concerns, including inadequate cleanliness, shortcomings in waste management practices and poor personal hygiene standards among staff members.
Another complaint involved Open Secret’s “Un-junked Dates” product, which was supplied through Flipkart’s quick-commerce platform. Consumers alleged that insects were found inside the packaged dates, drawing the attention of food safety authorities and resulting in notices being issued to both the brand and the distribution platform involved.
FSSAI clarified that the notices form part of a preliminary investigation and do not amount to a final determination of wrongdoing by any of the companies. However, the regulator has directed the firms to submit detailed action-taken reports without delay.
The development has intensified scrutiny of quality-control systems across major consumer brands, placing food safety and hygiene standards under renewed public focus as authorities move to examine the complaints in greater detail.