FSSAI Suspends Marche Retail License and Restrains SDP Industries Over Food Safety Violations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken strict regulatory action against two food businesses, suspending the license of New Delhi-based Marche Retail Pvt Ltd and prohibiting Daman-based SDP Industries Pvt Ltd from selling its ghee products.

According to the regulator, the action against Marche Retail follows an inspection and subsequent follow-up scrutiny of its food business premises. The establishment was found to be operating with significant deficiencies related to design, operational controls, sanitation, personal hygiene, food-handler training, and mandatory record-keeping.

Further details from the regulatory inspection highlighted severe operational non-compliances. The FSSAI noted that the establishment obstructed statutory duties and did not cooperate with food safety officers, necessitating police assistance. Additionally, authorities observed unendorsed food service and raw meat-related activities on the premises.

Consequently, the FSSAI has suspended Marche Retail's license for a period of 30 days. The company has been directed to immediately cease and desist from all food business activities until it implements necessary corrective actions.

In a separate enforcement action, the FSSAI issued a prohibition order against SDP Industries Pvt Ltd in Daman concerning non-compliant ghee products and adulteration concerns. During enforcement inspections and sample examinations, multiple ghee products manufactured by the company—including variants marketed under brands such as 'Shraddha', 'Shree Saras', and 'Gokul'—were found to be non-compliant with the applicable requirements under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Following these findings, the regulator has instructed SDP Industries to immediately stop selling all variants of ghee manufactured, stored, or sold from its authorized premises.

"Regulatory compliance and maintaining strict food safety standards are foundational for any consumer-facing business. The recent actions by the FSSAI against Marche Retail and SDP Industries highlight the critical importance of operational transparency, hygiene, and adherence to statutory laws. For businesses in the food and retail sector, ignoring compliance protocols not only invites severe penalties and business shutdowns but also permanently damages consumer trust and brand equity." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes