Food Manifest 
Key Update
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered the immediate recall of two food products. Laboratory tests found both products unsafe and non-compliant with prescribed food safety standards.
The recalled products are Shalimar’s Chef Coriander Powder, manufactured by M/s Nilgiri Oil & Allied Industries, and Carrageenan, a food additive, manufactured by M/s Aquagri Processing Pvt Ltd. FSSAI issued the recall orders to both Food Business Operators (FBOs) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The orders followed laboratory testing and evaluation.
Coriander Powder Fails Pesticide Residue Test
FSSAI collected a regulatory sample of Shalimar’s Chef Coriander Powder from the premises of Nilgiri Oil & Allied Industries. Laboratory testing found pesticide residues that did not meet the prescribed standards, prompting the Food Analyst to classify the sample as “unsafe”.
The company appealed against the findings, after which FSSAI sent the second portion of the sample for retesting. The retest also found the coriander powder non-compliant with the prescribed pesticide residue standards. Based on the test results, FSSAI ordered the immediate recall of the product.
Carrageenan Fails Cadmium Assessment
FSSAI’s Southern Region collected a regulatory sample of Carrageenan from Aquagri Processing. Laboratory analysis found that the sample did not meet the prescribed specifications for cadmium, and the Food Analyst declared it “unsafe”.
Aquagri Processing appealed against the findings, prompting the examination of the second portion by a Referral Food Laboratory. The referral laboratory also found the sample unsafe. FSSAI subsequently ordered the immediate recall of the Carrageenan product, citing non-compliance with applicable food safety requirements.
Companies Directed to Withdraw Products
FSSAI has directed both companies to immediately withdraw the affected products from the market and take all necessary steps under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017.
The latest recalls come amid increased enforcement by FSSAI against food businesses and e-commerce companies. The regulator has also taken action against manufacturers of energy drinks and alcoholic beverages and issued notices to several five-star hotels over food safety and compliance concerns.
FSSAI has been sharing its enforcement actions and recall orders through social media to keep consumers informed and strengthen food safety oversight.
Source: NDTV
