Everest cumin powder batch recalled after pesticide residues found

Goa: A batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder has been ordered to be withdrawn from the market after laboratory tests found pesticide residues above the prescribed limits, prompting the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to classify the sample as unsafe.

The recall concerns Batch No. E080668761 of Everest pre-packed cumin powder. According to FSSAI, residues of the pesticides azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam were detected at levels exceeding the maximum limits prescribed under food safety regulations.

The regulatory action followed testing of a sample collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd. in Goa.

FSSAI declares sample unsafe

FSSAI said its regulatory team collected a sample of the pre-packed cumin powder from the Goa premises for analysis.

“The food analyst’s report found pesticide residues of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum limits,” the regulator said.

Following the analysis, the Food Analyst declared the sample “UNSAFE” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The finding triggered further regulatory proceedings and gave the food business operator an opportunity to challenge the initial laboratory report.

Referral laboratory confirms findings

The manufacturer was provided an opportunity to appeal against the Food Analyst’s report. Following the appeal, the sample was sent to a Referral Food Laboratory for a second assessment.

The referral laboratory subsequently confirmed the original finding, with both azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam again found above the prescribed maximum limits.

“The Referral Food Laboratory confirmed that the sample was ‘UNSAFE’, as Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam were found above the prescribed maximum limits,” FSSAI said.

The confirmation strengthened the regulatory basis for action against the affected batch.

Entire affected batch ordered recalled

Following the second laboratory assessment, FSSAI directed the immediate recall of the affected batch from the market.

The action specifically covers Everest pre-packed cumin powder bearing Batch No. E080668761. The direction means the food business operator must initiate the recall process and ensure that products belonging to the affected batch are withdrawn from the market.

FSSAI has also instructed the operator to maintain complete records of the products recalled as part of the exercise.

The regulator has sought recall information and status reports within the stipulated timelines so that the progress of the withdrawal can be monitored.

Corrective measures also mandated

In addition to the recall, FSSAI has directed the food business operator to implement corrective measures aimed at preventing a recurrence of the issue.

The operator has been asked to submit a compliance report after completing the recall process.

The regulatory action underscores the role of laboratory testing and follow-up assessments in identifying food products that do not meet prescribed safety standards. In this case, the initial finding was subjected to a second laboratory assessment after the appeal process, with the referral laboratory confirming the presence of pesticide residues above the applicable limits.

Consumers who may have purchased the affected Everest cumin powder batch are advised to check the batch number on the packaging and avoid using the product if it matches Batch No. E080668761. The recall applies specifically to the identified batch that was the subject of the regulatory testing.

The case also highlights the importance of traceability and effective recall mechanisms in the packaged food sector. FSSAI’s directions require the operator to document the recall and report its status, while corrective action is intended to address the underlying issue and reduce the possibility of similar incidents in the future.