FSSAI orders recall after referral lab confirms Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam residues above prescribed limits; Creative Bakers licence suspended over hygiene lapses
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered Everest Food Products to withdraw a batch of pre-packed cumin powder from the market after a referral laboratory confirmed that pesticide residues in the product exceeded the prescribed limits. The regulator has classified the sample as unsafe and directed the company to complete the recall and submit details of the action taken.
The regulatory sample was collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes in Goa. An initial examination by a Food Analyst detected residues of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam above their respective maximum permissible limits, leading the laboratory to classify the sample as “UNSAFE” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Everest Food Products was given an opportunity to challenge the initial laboratory findings. Following the appeal, the sample was sent to a Referral Food Laboratory for further examination. The referral laboratory subsequently supported the original findings, confirming the presence of both pesticides at levels above the limits prescribed under food safety regulations.
Based on the confirmation, FSSAI directed Everest Food Products to “immediately recall ‘Pre-packed Cumin Powder after tests declared the sample unsafe'”. The order applies to the implicated batch and requires the company to ensure that the affected product is removed from the market.
The regulator has also asked the company to maintain complete records of the recalled stock and submit the relevant reports. In addition, Everest Food Products has been directed to take corrective measures to address the issue and prevent its recurrence, followed by submission of a compliance report after the recall is completed.
In a separate enforcement action, FSSAI has suspended the food licence of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd with immediate effect after identifying severe hygiene deficiencies. The action was announced by the regulator on Sunday as part of its ongoing enforcement measures aimed at ensuring compliance with food safety requirements.
“FSSAI licence of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd has been suspended with immediate effect due to severe hygiene deficiencies,” the regulator said.
FSSAI has been publishing details of enforcement measures involving food business operators through its social media channels. The latest actions include both product-level intervention, in the case of the Everest cumin powder, and regulatory action against a food business over hygiene-related deficiencies.
