FSSAI recalls Everest cumin powder citing unsafe pesticide residue levels

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered the recall of Everest cumin powder from retail shelves, citing unacceptable levels of pesticide residues in the product. The regulator simultaneously suspended the manufacturing licence of Creative Bakers, the company responsible for production, after detecting unsafe contamination during routine quality checks.

The enforcement action marks part of an intensified crackdown by FSSAI over the past six months to strengthen food safety compliance across the country. The authority has ramped up inspections, testing, and monitoring of food manufacturing units to identify and eliminate products that pose health risks to consumers.

The specific pesticide residues detected in the cumin powder exceeded permissible limits set under India's food safety standards. Consumers who have purchased the affected product have been advised to discontinue use and return it to retail outlets for replacement or refund.

The FSSAI has committed to maintaining transparency in its enforcement operations, regularly communicating action details to both food business operators and the general public through social media platforms and official channels. The regulator emphasized that such recalls and licence suspensions would continue for any manufacturer found in violation of food safety norms.