FSSAI orders recall of Everest cumin powder batch after pesticide residues found above limits

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered the immediate recall of a batch of pre-packed cumin powder manufactured by Everest Food Products after pesticide residues were found above prescribed limits.

The regulatory action followed the collection of a sample of the cumin powder from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt Ltd in Goa.

According to FSSAI, residues of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam in the sample were found at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum limits.

The food business operator was given an opportunity to appeal against the findings, following which the sample was referred to a Referral Food Laboratory.

The Referral Food Laboratory subsequently confirmed that the sample was "unsafe", with both pesticide residues found above the prescribed maximum limits.

The regulator has directed Everest Food to "immediately recall 'Pre-packed Cumin Powder' after tests declared the sample unsafe".

The company has also been directed to maintain complete records of the recalled product and submit prescribed recall information and status reports within the stipulated timelines.

FSSAI also suspended the license of Creative Bakers and Confectioners.

"FSSAI licence of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd has been suspended with immediate effect due to severe hygiene deficiencies," it said.

In the past few months, FSSAI has stepped up enforcement action against food business operators and e-commerce companies.

In NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, the regulator observed claims relating to "5 HMOs" and "Whey Protein", while Lactogen Pro 1 carried a claim that its whey protein was easy to digest.

FSSAI sought clarifications from Nestle India regarding the claims.

The regulator said both products were found to be in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, which restricts promotional claims or material intended to increase the saleability of infant foods.

FSSAI also cited the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992, which prohibits the advertisement and promotion of infant milk substitutes and certain infant foods.

A sample of follow-up formula manufactured by Nestle India was found to be sub-standard with respect to its biotin content during laboratory analysis.

FSSAI has also prohibited Dabur India from selling several food products carrying what it termed misleading "100%" claims, including "100% Natural", "100% Pure", "100% Purity Guaranteed", "100% Organic" and "100% Tender Coconut Water".