The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd to immediately recall a batch of its pre-packed cumin powder after laboratory testing found pesticide residues above the prescribed limits.
The action follows testing of a regulatory sample collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes in Goa. A food analyst declared the sample "unsafe" under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Pesticide residues found above permissible limits
According to FSSAI, the sample contained residues of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the maximum limits prescribed under food safety regulations.
The sample was subsequently sent to a Referral Food Laboratory after the food business operator was given an opportunity to appeal against the initial findings. The referral laboratory confirmed that the sample was unsafe, with both pesticide residues above the permitted levels.
Entire batch ordered to be recalled
FSSAI has directed Everest Food Products to recall the entire implicated batch, identified as Batch No. E080668761, from the market immediately.
The company has also been instructed to maintain complete records of the recalled products and submit recall information and status reports within the stipulated timelines. It must also take corrective measures to prevent a recurrence and submit a report after completing the recall.
Under FSSAI's food recall framework, products that may pose a public-health risk or do not comply with food safety laws can be withdrawn from the market.
FSSAI takes separate action against bakery
In a separate enforcement action announced on the same day, FSSAI suspended the licence of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd, a West Bengal-based bakery manufacturer, over serious hygiene violations.
Inspectors reportedly found dirt, grease, dust, cobwebs and flies in food production and handling areas. Perishable raw materials were allegedly stored openly, while rusted and inadequately cleaned containers were used for raw and semi-finished products.
The inspection also found accumulated waste and old stock, rusting equipment, peeling paint, damp conditions and damaged floor tiles. The bakery was directed to stop all food-related activities during the licence suspension period.
Everest has faced FSSAI action before
The latest recall comes weeks after FSSAI took action against Everest Food Products over compounded hing (asafoetida). In August, the regulator issued a prohibition of sale order after laboratory testing found Everest's compounded hing to be substandard.
The latest action, however, concerns a specific batch of pre-packed cumin powder that was declared unsafe following laboratory testing.
