Food regulator FSSAI has ordered Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd to immediately recall an implicated batch of pre-packed cumin powder from the market after laboratory tests detected pesticide residues above prescribed maximum limits and declared the sample unsafe for consumption.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said on Sunday that residues of two pesticides — Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam — were detected above permissible levels. The finding was subsequently confirmed by a referral laboratory after the company was given an opportunity to appeal against the initial test report.
Sample collected in Goa
The regulatory sample of pre-packed cumin powder was collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt Ltd in Goa as part of food safety monitoring.
According to the regulator, analysis of the sample detected Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum residue limits.
The Food Analyst consequently declared the sample “unsafe” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The action concerns the implicated batch of the product sampled by the authorities. FSSAI’s statement did not indicate that all Everest cumin powder available across the market had been declared unsafe.
Second lab confirms result
Everest Food Products was provided an opportunity to appeal against the Food Analyst’s report. Following the appeal process, the sample was referred to a Referral Food Laboratory for further examination.
The referral laboratory independently confirmed the initial finding and also classified the sample as unsafe after detecting Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam above the prescribed limits.
Following confirmation by the referral laboratory, FSSAI directed the company to immediately recall the entire implicated batch of pre-packed cumin powder from the market.
Company told to keep records
Everest Food Products has been instructed to maintain complete records of the recalled products and submit reports on the exercise to the authorities.
The food business operator has also been directed to undertake corrective measures aimed at preventing a recurrence and submit a report after completing the recall process.
A product recall typically involves identifying affected stocks across the supply chain and withdrawing them from distributors, retailers or other establishments where they may have been supplied.
Pesticide residues detected
Azoxystrobin is a fungicide used to protect crops against fungal diseases, while Thiamethoxam is an insecticide used for controlling agricultural pests.
Food safety regulations prescribe maximum residue limits for pesticides in different food commodities. These limits determine the maximum legally permissible concentration of particular pesticide residues in food.
The regulatory action was triggered because laboratory analysis found the two substances above the applicable prescribed limits in the sample tested.
Bakery licence suspended
In a separate enforcement action announced on Sunday, FSSAI suspended the licence of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd with immediate effect.
The regulator said the action followed the discovery of “severe hygiene deficiencies” at the food business operator. The suspension means the company cannot operate under the affected FSSAI licence while the regulatory action remains in force.
FSSAI announced both actions while reiterating that it was enforcing regulatory requirements to safeguard consumer health.
Enforcement stepped up
The regulator has intensified enforcement against food business operators and online platforms in recent months, with inspections, sampling, recalls and other regulatory measures being used where violations are detected.
FSSAI has also increasingly made details of enforcement actions public through its social media channels, giving consumers information about products or establishments against which regulatory measures have been initiated. In the Everest case, the immediate direction is limited to recalling the implicated batch of pre-packed cumin powder, maintaining records of the withdrawn stock and completing corrective measures required by the regulator.