FSSAI issues notice to KFC, Nestle, Flipkart over social media complaints

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a notice to many companies like Nestle, KFC, and Flipkart, over social media complaints.

The food regulator regularly issues a show-cause notice and compliance notice to food companies whenever consumers report any issues like worms or pests in food.

The FSSAI has initiated action based on complaints regarding food safety and hygiene that surfaced on social media. A notice was issued to the KFC outlet at MVR Mall in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, regarding alleged hygiene-related lapses.

The FSSAI has sought a report from the concerned Food Business Operator (FBO) regarding deficiencies related to hygiene, sanitation, food handling, storage, waste management, pest control, and employee hygiene.

The food regulator also directed them to submit details and documentary evidence regarding corrective and preventive measures.

Notices were also issued to Flipkart India and Open Secret.

The complaint alleges that worms were found in the 'Open Secret Un-junked Dates' product delivered via Flipkart Minutes.

The FSSAI sought information regarding internal quality check records, steps taken to withdraw products from the supply chain, and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

On the other hand, a notice was also sent to Nestlé regarding a complaint about alleged worms/larvae found in Maggi packets. The company was asked to provide details on the source/vendor of the concerned batch, quality check records, and a report on corrective actions taken. The FSSAI also sought information on the steps taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

Commenting on this, Nestles India's spokesperson said, "We categorically reject the allegations circulating in the media based on an unverified account regarding the presence of infestation, allegedly on MAGGI noodles. We are yet to receive the complaint sample from the Complainant, as the account is unreachable. A detailed representation, supported by all relevant facts, quality records from batch and market samples, and test reports, has already been submitted to the competent authorities.

Nestlé India maintains stringent quality and food safety standards across its manufacturing operations. We remain fully transparent with the authorities and are confident that the facts and evidence will conclusively establish the truth of the matter.

We have performed our quality analysis on batch and market samples, for a comprehensive investigation to FSSAI Accredited lab and the report confirms with the quality standards, including confirmation of absence of infestation of any nature."

Early this week, FSSAI directed food business operators to stop using newspapers for packaging, wrapping or serving food items, citing potential health risks to consumers.

The advisory comes after a recent incident in Mumbai, where a popular vada pav vendor was found using newspapers to pack and serve food. Following the incident, FSSAI's Western Region and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carried out a joint action against the vendor.

Recently, the food regulator notified the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Amendment Regulations, 2026, making it mandatory for all approved vegan food products to carry a prescribed ‘vegan’ logo on their packaging from July 1, 2027.

On May 25, 2026, the amendment was published in the Gazette of India to improve how well people follow vegan food guidelines and to help build trust in these products. This way, shoppers can feel better about what they purchase.

FSSAI issues notice to Blinkit

Last month, FSSAI issued a notice to Blinkit and sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 24 hours after a customer reportedly fell ill following the consumption of curd purchased through the quick commerce platform.

The food regulator has also flagged multiple complaints related to the delivery of spoiled, unhygienic and damaged food products through the platform. According to sources, several of these complaints were received directly from consumers, while others surfaced on social media.