The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has temporarily banned the sale of hing products manufactured by Everest Food Products and Laljee Godhoo & Co. after laboratory testing found the products to be substandard.
The action has raised fresh concerns over the quality and compliance of packaged food products in the Indian market. Both companies have reportedly been directed to explain the violations and take corrective measures to ensure that their products meet the prescribed food safety standards.
Hing Products Face Temporary Ban
The temporary ban applies specifically to the concerned hing (asafoetida) products. The restriction will remain in place until the products are found to comply with the required standards.
The companies have also been asked to submit corrective action plans to address the issues identified during testing. In addition, they have been instructed to voluntarily recall affected stocks that may already have reached the market.
The move is intended to prevent consumers from purchasing or consuming products that do not meet the regulatory requirements.
Everest Masalas Under Additional Scrutiny
Everest is facing additional regulatory scrutiny over some of its other spice products. Laboratory tests reportedly found its egg curry masala, chicken masala and garam masala to be non-compliant with applicable standards.
However, the three masala products have not been banned as part of the current action.
The distinction is important because the regulatory action against the hing products and the findings concerning the three Everest masalas are separate matters. The masalas have been identified as non-compliant, while the temporary ban specifically applies to the affected hing products.
Companies Asked to Take Corrective Action
Following the findings, both companies have been asked to provide explanations to the authorities and submit plans outlining how they intend to correct the identified violations.
They have also been asked to cooperate with the voluntary recall of affected products already available in the market.
The hing ban will continue until the products satisfy the required quality and safety standards. The action highlights FSSAI's role in monitoring packaged food products and taking regulatory measures when products fail to meet prescribed requirements.
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised to check official updates from the companies and food-safety authorities regarding the recall and further instructions.
The latest development also underlines the importance of quality testing and regulatory compliance in India's packaged spice industry, particularly as consumers increasingly rely on branded products for everyday cooking.
