FSSAI cracks down on Everest: Hing banned, 3 masalas found non-compliant

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has temporarily banned the sale of hing (asafoetida) manufactured by Everest Food Products and Laljee Godhoo after laboratory tests found the products to be substandard.

The companies have been directed to explain the violations and submit action plans detailing how they will comply with the prescribed standards.

They have also been advised to voluntarily recall substandard products already in the market. The ban will remain in force until they comply with the regulations.

FSSAI also detected non-compliance in Everest’s egg curry masala, chicken masala and garam masala. However, these three products have not been



banned.

The action comes as FSSAI told the Supreme Court that it has proposed a bright red, hexagonal warning label on the front of packaged foods containing excessive levels of sugar, salt or saturated fat.

The proposal was submitted days after a Supreme Court bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala reprimanded FSSAI and the government over delays in introducing front-of-pack warning labels.

The proposed changes have intensified the debate over the responsibility of food companies to clearly disclose the health risks associated with their products.

Clearer labels are intended to help consumers identify products with high levels of sugar, salt or saturated fat and make more informed choices.