FSSAI Declares Everest Cumin Powder Unsafe, Orders Immediate Recall: What Food Analysts Report Finds

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd to withdraw its prepackaged cumin powder from the market after testing found the product unsafe for consumption.

FSSAI has issued a directive to recall cumin powder manufactured by Everest Food Products.

The regulator ordered Everest Food Products to “immediately recall ‘prepackaged cumin powder’ after tests declared the sample unsafe.”

A regulatory sample of “prepackaged cumin powder” was collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt Ltd in Goa.

According to the regulator, the Food Analyst investigation revealed residues of the pesticides Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam in the sample in concentrations above the prescribed maximum limits.

“The Food Analyst report found residues of pesticides Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum limits,” he said, according to PTI.

The sample was subsequently classified as “HAZARDOUS” under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

Everest Food Products was given an opportunity to dispute the findings, after which the sample was sent to the Referral Food Laboratory for further examination.

The reference laboratory also confirmed earlier findings and confirmed that the sample was “HAZARDOUS”, after detecting azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam above the maximum permitted limits.

The regulator ordered the immediate withdrawal of the entire affected batch of “Repackaged Cumin Powder” from the market.

Everest Food has also been directed to keep detailed records of the recalled products and submit required reports to the authorities.

“The FBO was further directed to take corrective measures to prevent recurrence of the incident and submit a report after completion of the recall,” the regulator said.

Creative Bakers license suspended for sanitation violation

The food regulator also took action against Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd, suspending the company’s license for alleged hygiene violations.

In a social media post on Sunday, FSSAI said it continues to enforce food safety regulations across the country to protect consumers.

“The FSSAI license of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd has been suspended with immediate effect due to serious hygiene deficiencies,” the regulator said.

Low fat milk bleach sample declared unsafe in FSSAI lab test

Meanwhile, a sample of low-fat milk bleach produced by a food company and collected from the hotel chain’s premises in Connaught Place, New Delhi, has been classified as ‘substandard’ and ‘unsafe’, according to a Food Analyst laboratory report under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, FSSAI said, according to ANI.

A sample was taken from the hotel premises in Connaught Place and subsequently examined by a Food Analyst. The lab report found the product to be “substandard” and “unsafe”, indicating that it does not meet the requirements prescribed by the FSS Act 2006.

The Food Business Operator (FBO) received a copy of the laboratory report for reference and necessary action.

Over the past few months, the FSSAI has stepped up enforcement actions against food business operators and e-commerce companies. The regulator also uses social media to inform the public about such actions.