FSSAI orders recall of Everest cumin powder batch over excessive pesticide residues

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered the immediate recall of a batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder after laboratory tests found pesticide residues above the prescribed permissible limits.

According to an FSSAI notification, the affected product was found to contain excessive levels of the pesticides Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam, following regulatory sampling conducted in Goa.

The sample was collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd. in Goa and sent for laboratory analysis. The Food Analyst subsequently classified the sample as “UNSAFE” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The manufacturer was given an opportunity to challenge the findings. Following the appeal, the sample was referred to a Referral Food Laboratory for further examination.

The referral laboratory confirmed the earlier findings, determining that the cumin powder contained Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam above the prescribed maximum limits and was therefore unsafe for consumption.

Based on the laboratory findings, FSSAI directed the immediate recall of the entire affected batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder bearing Batch No. E080668761 from the market.

The regulator has also directed the concerned food business operator (FBO) to maintain complete records of the recalled products and submit the required recall information and status reports within the stipulated timelines.

The FBO has further been instructed to take corrective measures to prevent a recurrence and submit a compliance report after completing the recall process.

FSSAI reiterated that the referral laboratory’s findings confirmed the product’s “UNSAFE” classification due to pesticide residues exceeding the prescribed maximum limits.