Everest Food Products Ordered to Recall Cumin Powder Due to Pesticide Contamination

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated that Everest Food Products take immediate action to recall a specific batch of its cumin powder. This decision comes after a recent analysis revealed concerning levels of pesticide residues in a sample collected from Riverside Resorts and Holiday Homes in Goa.

The sample was found to contain both Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam, two agricultural chemicals commonly utilized in crop protection. The detected levels of these substances exceeded the limits set by food safety regulations, raising alarms over the potential health risks associated with their consumption. Azoxystrobin is primarily used to combat fungal diseases, while Thiamethoxam is aimed at managing insect infestations.

These findings are particularly alarming given the widespread use of such pesticides in agriculture, and the risks posed when food products bear residues above the permissible thresholds. The FSSAI emphasized that the sample did not comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, and subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed that the cumin powder posed a health hazard to consumers.

In light of this incident, the food regulator has given Everest an opportunity to contest the findings of the food analyst. The company was able to appeal, but the results from the secondary laboratory reaffirmed the initial conclusions regarding the safety of the product.

In addition to the recall, the FSSAI has instructed Everest to implement corrective measures to ensure that such issues do not recur. The company is required to submit a detailed report following the conclusion of the recall process, outlining the steps taken to address the contamination and safeguard consumer health.

This incident highlights the critical importance of stringent food safety regulations in India, especially as the nation grapples with food security and safety concerns amid growing consumer awareness. It serves as a reminder for food businesses to maintain transparency and adhere to safety standards, ensuring that products reaching the market are safe for public consumption.

Source: scroll.in