Key Update

The Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that a red chilli powder sample from the Uttarakhand-based Patanjali Foods manufacturing unit failed safety tests.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, explained that the 2024–25 spice sampling drive found pesticide residues above the prescribed Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in Patanjali Chilli Powder. “After receiving the test results, authorities issued a recall order, and the food business operator promptly withdrew the affected product from the market,” he said. Jadhav clarified that all tested Amul products met safety standards and did not exceed regulatory limits.

FSSAI Strengthens Food Safety Nationwide

Answering TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s question on ensuring safe food, Jadhav said, “FSSAI sets science-based standards for all food products and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to protect public health.”

He added that central and state governments share responsibility for enforcing the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. To ensure compliance, FSSAI and its regional offices, together with state and UT food safety authorities, conduct regular inspections, sampling, and targeted enforcement drives year-round, including through the National Annual Surveillance Plan (NASP).

FBOs Face Strict Action for Violations

The minister stressed that authorities take action against any violations. “Food business operators who fail to meet the standards face penalties and other regulatory actions under the FSS Act, 2006,” he said.

Source: The New Indian Express