India's food regulator, FSSAI, has suspended the license of Tripura-based Matri Drinking Water over hygiene violations. Simultaneously, the agency has prohibited the sale of 'Venolex Forte' by Punjab’s Noble Healthcare due to the inclusion of unapproved ingredients and excessive vitamin levels. These actions highlight the regulator's ongoing focus on safety standards within the consumer health and packaged goods sectors.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken enforcement action against two separate companies for non-compliance with national food safety and hygiene regulations. These moves reflect the regulator's tightening oversight on manufacturing facilities and supplement product quality to ensure consumer safety.
License Suspension for Matri Drinking Water
The FSSAI has suspended the license of Matri Drinking Water, a facility located in the Gomati district of Tripura. This decision followed an official inspection triggered by complaints regarding the presence of foreign materials in the company's packaged water. During the audit, the regulator identified several severe hygiene lapses. Findings included finished products stored improperly on floors alongside non-food items, which poses a direct risk of product contamination. Furthermore, the FSSAI report noted that the processing and filling areas were in poor condition, characterized by damaged infrastructure, peeling paint, and a lack of effective pest control measures. The suspension means the company cannot continue its operations until it meets the required safety and hygiene standards set by the regulator.
Sales Prohibition for Noble Healthcare
In a separate regulatory order, the FSSAI has issued a prohibition on the manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of the product 'Venolex Forte' by Mohali-based Noble Healthcare. The regulator's investigation found that the product violated the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2022. Specifically, the product was found to contain ingredients that are not permitted for use in health supplements. The FSSAI noted that 'Venolex Forte' included pharmacologically active substances such as Calcium Dobesilate, Diosmin, and Euphorbia Prostrata, which are not allowed under current food safety laws. Additionally, the Vitamin C content was measured at 90 mg, which the regulator stated exceeds the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) established by the ICMR-NIN guidelines of 2020.
For investors and stakeholders, these developments emphasize the growing regulatory focus on the health supplement and packaged food industries. The ability of companies to maintain strict adherence to product formulation guidelines and facility sanitation is critical for business continuity. Future updates from the regulator regarding these cases, including any remedial steps taken by the companies or potential license revocations, will be the key monitorable for the respective firms involved.