The regulator announced the action on October 4, 2026, and directed Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd to recall the entire affected batch from the market and take corrective measures to prevent a recurrence.

Sample Collected From Goa

Food safety officials collected a sample of the pre-packed cumin powder from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt Ltd in Goa. A Food Analyst examined the sample and detected Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam above the prescribed MRLs for cumin. Based on these findings, FSSAI declared the sample unsafe.

Referral Laboratory Confirms Findings

Everest Food Products had the opportunity to challenge the initial Food Analyst’s findings. Following the appeal, authorities referred the sample to a Referral Food Laboratory for further examination. The Referral Food Laboratory confirmed the earlier findings. It again detected Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam above the prescribed maximum limits, confirming that the sample was unsafe.

The available regulatory details do not disclose the exact quantities of the pesticide residues found in the sample. Reports have cited the applicable MRLs for cumin as approximately 0.03 mg/kg for Azoxystrobin and 0.01 mg/kg for Thiamethoxam.

FSSAI Orders Recall of Batch E080668761

Following the laboratory confirmation, FSSAI directed Everest Food Products to immediately recall Batch No. E080668761 from the market. The regulator has also asked the company to maintain complete records of the recalled product and submit the required recall information and status reports within the stipulated timelines.

In addition, FSSAI has directed the company to take corrective measures to prevent a recurrence and submit a report after completing the recall process. The action applies specifically to Batch No. E080668761. The available information does not indicate that FSSAI has recalled all Everest cumin powder products or other batches.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers who have purchased Everest pre-packed cumin powder should check the batch number printed on the packet. If the packet carries Batch No. E080668761, do not use the product. Consumers should follow any further instructions issued by FSSAI or Everest regarding its return or disposal.

The available regulatory information does not specify the manufacturing date, expiry date, or pack size of the affected batch. It also does not disclose the exact pesticide residue levels detected in the sample.

What Does the Recall Mean for Consumers?

The recall concerns a specific identified batch that laboratory testing found unsafe because of pesticide residues above the prescribed limits. It should not be interpreted as a recall of all Everest cumin powder products or as evidence that all packaged cumin powder is unsafe. Consumers who have a different batch should check the batch details against official recall information rather than assuming that their product is affected.

Source: Free Press Journal