Everest cumin powder recalled after sample declared ‘UNSAFE’: What FSSAI found

A routine food safety check has triggered a recall of Everest pre-packed cumin powder after laboratory testing found pesticide residues above the prescribed safety limits, prompting the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to declare the sample unsafe.

The regulator has directed Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd to immediately withdraw the implicated batch of cumin powder from the market and maintain records of the recalled product.

The action followed testing of a regulatory sample collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt Ltd in Goa. According to FSSAI, the Food Analyst detected residues of two pesticides: Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam, at levels exceeding the maximum limits prescribed for food products.

The sample was subsequently declared "UNSAFE" under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Everest Food Products was given an opportunity to challenge the initial findings. The sample was then sent to a Referral Food Laboratory for further examination.

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The referral laboratory also confirmed the sample was "UNSAFE", with both Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam again found above the prescribed maximum limits.

Following the confirmation, FSSAI ordered the entire implicated batch of pre-packed cumin powder to be recalled from the market immediately.

The company has also been instructed to keep complete records of the recalled product and submit the required reports to the regulator.

FSSAI said the food business operator must also take corrective steps to ensure the issue does not recur and submit a report after completing the recall.

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FSSAI suspends Creative Bakers licence over hygiene concerns

The cumin powder recall was announced alongside separate enforcement action against Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd.

FSSAI said the company's licence had been suspended with immediate effect after authorities found severe hygiene deficiencies.

"FSSAI licence of M/s Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt. Ltd. has been suspended with immediate effect due to severe hygiene deficiencies," the regulator said in a social media post.

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The developments form part of a broader enforcement drive by FSSAI against food business operators and e-commerce companies. The regulator has also been using social media to publicly inform consumers about enforcement measures taken across the country.

FSSAI said it continues to enforce regulatory compliance to safeguard consumer health.

With PTI inputs