Priyagold Biscuit Manufacturer’s License Suspended for Using Cattle Feed in Production

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken significant action against Surya Food and Agro Limited, the producer of Priyagold biscuits, by suspending the company’s operating license. This decision follows a disturbing revelation that the firm allegedly utilized cattle-feed bran as a raw material in their biscuit production.

During a recent regulatory inspection, officials discovered that the bran intended for livestock was being incorporated into the biscuit manufacturing process as a fiber source. Such practices not only violate food safety standards but also pose serious health risks to consumers. The FSSAI has stated that it has initiated legal proceedings against Surya Food, citing multiple violations relating to hygiene standards, pest control measures, storage and segregation of raw materials, as well as personnel hygiene and maintenance of facilities.

As of now, Surya Food and Agro Limited has not publicly responded to the suspension of its license or the allegations made against them. This incident is part of a broader crackdown by Indian food regulators aimed at addressing food adulteration and misleading marketing practices across the country. The FSSAI has shown a renewed commitment to protecting public health, particularly in light of several recent food safety incidents that have raised alarms among consumers.

In addition to the action against Surya Food, the FSSAI has also initiated prosecution proceedings against Dodla Dairy Limited and UEIR Organic Foods Private Limited. A recent inspection of Dodla Dairy revealed that a sample of their full-cream milk was contaminated with detergent or caustic soda and did not comply with the mandated milk-fat standards. Meanwhile, yellow raisins sold by UEIR Organic Foods were found to contain harmful pesticide residues, further emphasizing the need for stringent regulatory oversight in the food industry.

These regulatory measures come in the wake of another troubling incident reported earlier this month, where a sample of Nestlé’s low-fat dairy whitener was deemed to be “unsafe and substandard” after collection from The LaLiT hotel in Connaught Place, New Delhi. Such findings underscore the critical responsibility of food companies to adhere to safety regulations and to ensure that their products meet the highest health standards.

Source: scroll.in