New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued prohibition orders against Everest Food Products Private Limited and Laljee Godhoo and Company, restricting the sale of their compounded hing and asafoetida products with immediate effect over alleged violations of food safety and quality standards.

The regulatory action follows findings from laboratory testing, market surveillance and regulatory reviews, which reportedly identified instances of sub-standard and misbranded compounded asafoetida, along with other non-compliances.

Everest hing products under prohibition order

In the case of Everest Food Products, the prohibition order covers compounded asafoetida, commonly sold as hing powder, along with all its variants.

According to the order, samples of the company's compounded asafoetida were found to be “misbranded and sub-standard.” The findings indicate that the products did not meet the prescribed food safety and quality requirements.

The samples were also found to be non-compliant with the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.

Alcohol-soluble extract below prescribed standard

One of the key findings highlighted in the order relates to the alcohol-soluble extract in the compounded asafoetida samples.

The test results recorded the alcohol-soluble extract at 0.00%, against the prescribed minimum standard of 5% under the applicable regulations.

The significant variation from the required standard was cited as part of the basis for the regulatory action.

Regulatory scrutiny of packaged food products

The prohibition orders come amid continued regulatory scrutiny of the quality, composition and compliance of packaged and processed food products in the market.

FSSAI and other food safety authorities routinely undertake sampling, laboratory testing and market surveillance to check whether food products comply with prescribed standards relating to composition, labelling and safety.

The action against the two companies highlights the importance of compliance with established food safety standards for manufacturers and food businesses.

Note:The prohibition orders concern the products and regulatory findings specified by FSSAI. Consumers and retailers should refer to official regulatory directions for details on the specific products and variants covered by the orders.