HighLights
  1. FSSAI orders recall of Everest cumin powder due to pesticide residues.
  2. Nestle India's dairy whitener found unsafe and substandard by FSSAI.
  3. Creative Bakers' FSSAI license suspended over severe hygiene deficiencies.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) continued its crackdown against violators of its guidelines, aiming to ensure the safety of food items ahead of the festival season. In a latest action on Sunday, the food safety regulator asked the Everest Food Products Private Limited to immediately recall "pre-packed cumin powder". The action followed after sample tests of the cumin powder were declared unsafe. The food regulator also suspended the FSSAI licence of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt. Ltd. with immediate effect due to severe hygiene deficiencies.

"A regulatory sample of “pre-packed cumin powder” was drawn from the premises of M/s Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd., Goa. The Food Analyst’s report found pesticide residues of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum limits," the statement read. 

The Food Analyst declared the sample “UNSAFE” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it said, adding that food business operator (FBO) was provided an opportunity to appeal against the Food Analyst’s report, following which the sample was referred to the Referral Food Laboratory.

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"The entire implicated batch of “Pre-packed Cumin Powder” (Batch No. E080668761) was directed to be recalled immediately from the market. The FBO was directed to maintain complete records of the recalled product and submit the prescribed recall information and status reports within the stipulated timelines. The FBO was further directed to undertake corrective measures to prevent recurrence of the incident and submit a report upon completion of the recall," it added.

Action Against Nestle India's 'Low-Fat Dairy Whitener'

On Saturday, the FSSAI said a sample of "low-fat dairy whitener" manufactured by Nestle India, drawn from the premises of Hotel Lalit in Connaught Place in the national capital, has been found "unsafe and substandard". However, responding to the development, Nestlé India said it complies with all applicable regulatory requirements and its low-fat dairy whitener is safe to consume.

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In a post on social media, the food regulator said a sample was collected from the premises of Bharat Hotels Ltd (The Lalit), Connaught Place, New Delhi. The report of the food analyst's laboratory declared the product "substandard" and "unsafe", indicating non-compliance under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, the FSSAI said.

A copy of the laboratory analysis report was provided to the FBO for reference and necessary action, the regulator said. A notice has also been issued to Bharat Hotels Ltd over the non-compliant product.

Reacting to the development, CEO of The LaLit Suri Hospitality Group, Vivek Shukla, said, "The 'Nestle Low-Fat Dairy Whitener' referred to in certain news reports and media platforms was a packaged product procured by The LaLiT New Delhi from Nestle India, a globally reputed brand with a 160-years legacy and over six decades of presence in India."

"The product was collected by FSSAI from The LaLiT New Delhi approximately three months ago. Upon receiving communication from FSSAI, we immediately took up the matter with Nestle India who assured us that they will respond directly to FSSAI regarding the said product. Simultaneously, we also immediately discontinued its use and removed all packets from its operations," he added.

"To clarify, this matter concerning the product's compliance is between FSSAI and Nestle India and not with The LaLiT. The LaLiT has acted promptly upon receiving the communication and remains committed to the highest standards of food safety protocols and strict adherence to all applicable FSSAI regulations," Shukla added.

 

(With PTI inputs)


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