FSSAI orders recall of Everest cumin powder batch after pesticide test fails
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New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed the immediate recall of a batch of Everest-brand pre-packed cumin powder after laboratory tests found pesticide residues above permissible limits, classifying the product as “unsafe” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The regulatory sample was drawn from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt Ltd in Goa. The food analyst’s report detected residues of the pesticides azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum residue limits. On this basis, the sample was declared “UNSAFE”.
The manufacturer was given an opportunity to appeal against the food analyst’s findings. Following the appeal, the sample was referred to a Referral Food Laboratory, which independently confirmed that azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam were present above the prescribed limits and upheld the “unsafe” classification.
On the strength of these findings, FSSAI ordered the recall of the entire implicated batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder bearing Batch No E080668761 from the market. The food business operator has been directed to maintain complete records of the recalled product, submit the required recall information and status reports within stipulated timelines, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence. A compliance report must be filed upon completion of the recall process.
The regulator said the action is part of its ongoing enforcement efforts to safeguard consumer health and ensure compliance with food safety standards across the country.
(Inputs from IANS)