The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd to immediately recall a batch of pre-packed cumin powder after a sample was found unsafe.
The action came a day after the food safety regulator flagged a Nestle India product as unsafe and substandard.The latest action was taken on Sunday as FSSAI stepped up inspections ahead of the festive season to ensure food safety and compliance.
Everest cumin powder found unsafe
According to FSSAI, a regulatory sample of pre-packed cumin powder was collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt Ltd in Goa.
The Food Analyst’s report found pesticide residues of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam above the prescribed maximum limits. The sample was subsequently declared “unsafe” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The food business operator was given an opportunity to appeal against the report, following which the sample was referred to a Referral Food Laboratory.
FSSAI has ordered the immediate recall of the entire affected batch — Batch No. E080668761 — from the market.
Everest was also directed to maintain complete records of the recalled products and submit the required recall details and status reports within the stipulated timelines.
The company has further been directed to take corrective measures to prevent a recurrence and submit a compliance report after completing the recall.
FSSAI suspends Creative Bakers’ licence
In a separate action, FSSAI suspended the licence of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd with immediate effect over severe hygiene deficiencies.
The action is part of the regulator’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Action against Nestle India’s low-fat dairy whitener
A day earlier, FSSAI had said that a sample of Nestle India’s low-fat dairy whitener collected from The Lalit hotel in Connaught Place, New Delhi, was found “unsafe and substandard.”The sample was collected from the premises of Bharat Hotels Ltd.
The Food Analyst’s laboratory report declared the product substandard and unsafe, indicating non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
FSSAI said a copy of the laboratory report was provided to the food business operator for necessary action. A notice was also issued to Bharat Hotels Ltd over the non-compliant product.
Nestle India, however, said it complies with all applicable regulatory requirements and maintained that its low-fat dairy whitener is safe to consume.