The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd to withdraw an entire batch of its pre-packed cumin powder from the market after laboratory tests found pesticide residues above permitted limits.
The action followed testing of a regulatory sample collected from Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt Ltd in Goa. Analysis detected residues of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam beyond the prescribed maximum limits, leading the sample to be classified as “unsafe” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Everest Food Products was given an opportunity to challenge the initial findings, following which the sample was sent to a Referral Food Laboratory for further examination. The referral laboratory upheld the findings and also declared the product unsafe after confirming excessive levels of the two pesticide residues.
Following the confirmation, FSSAI directed the company to immediately recall the entire affected batch from the market.
The food regulator has also asked Everest Food Products to maintain comprehensive records of the recalled stock and submit details of the recall process. The company has further been instructed to take corrective measures to prevent a recurrence and file a report after completing the recall.
In a separate regulatory action, FSSAI suspended the license of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd with immediate effect, citing serious deficiencies in hygiene standards.
Announcing the measures on X, the food safety regulator said it would continue to enforce regulatory standards to protect consumers and ensure food safety across the country.
