FSSAI recalls Everest's cumin powder, suspends Sugarr & Spice's license
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action against two food businesses in separate cases, ordering the immediate recall of a batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder after pesticide residues were found above permissible limits and suspending the licence of a confectionery company over serious hygiene and food safety violations.
In the first case, a regulatory sample of Everest pre-packed cumin powder was declared “unsafe” after tests found residues of two pesticides above the prescribed maximum limits.
According to an FSSAI notification issued on Sunday, the sample was collected from the premises of M/s Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd. in Goa. The Food Analyst's report found levels of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam exceeding the prescribed limits.
The Food Analyst declared the sample “UNSAFE” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the regulator said.
The food business operator was given an opportunity to appeal against the findings. The sample was subsequently sent to a Referral Food Laboratory for further testing.
The Referral Food Laboratory also confirmed the sample was “UNSAFE”, with both Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam found above the maximum permitted limits, according to FSSAI.
Following the confirmation, the regulator directed that the entire batch be immediately recalled from the market.
Everest was also directed to maintain complete records of the recalled products and submit recall-related information and status reports within the prescribed timelines. The company was further asked to take corrective measures to prevent a recurrence and submit a report after completing the recall process.
In a separate enforcement action, FSSAI suspended the license of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd, which operates the retail chain The Sugarr & Spice across several outlets in eastern India.
The regulator cited severe hygiene and sanitation deficiencies at the company's premises.
During an inspection, officials found dirt, grease, dust, cobwebs and flies in food production and handling areas. Perishable raw materials were reportedly being stored in the open, while rusted and inadequately cleaned containers were being used for raw and semifinished products.'WASTE, OLD STOCK ACCUMULATED'
FSSAI also reported significant pest infestation and inadequate pest-control measures. These included ineffective fly-control arrangements, inadequate rodent control and openings and windows without insect-proof mesh.
The regulator said waste, old stock, rejected lots and scrap had accumulated in food-handling areas.
Other deficiencies included rusting equipment, flaking paint, dampness and broken floor tiles.
FSSAI also flagged gaps in food safety documentation and systems. Water and finished-product testing, time-temperature monitoring, calibration, preventive maintenance, mock recall, consumer complaints, straining and audit records were not properly maintained, it said.
The company has been directed to stop all food business activities during the period of suspension.
The actions are part of FSSAI’s intensified enforcement drive in recent months. The regulator has been communicating such actions to food business operators and the public through its official social media platforms.- Ends
