FSSAI Action: Everest Cumin Powder Recalled and Creative Bakers License Suspended

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a significant crackdown on food safety violations, targeting prominent names in the food industry. In a recent move, the regulatory body has ordered the immediate recall of a specific batch of pre-packed cumin powder from Everest Food Products Private Limited, while simultaneously, FSSAI has suspended the manufacturing license of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Private Limited following the discovery of severe hygiene lapses and non-compliance with safety protocols during a detailed inspection.

Everest Cumin Powder Declared Unsafe

The action against Everest Food Products Private Limited comes after laboratory tests revealed that a specific batch of their pre-packed cumin powder didn't meet the mandatory food safety standards. The sample in question was collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts and Holiday Homes Private Limited located in Goa. Upon analysis, the product was found to contain residues of pesticides, specifically Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam, exceeding the permissible limits set by the regulator.

Following the initial findings by the food analyst, the sample was declared unsafe under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Although the company was provided an opportunity to appeal the report, the subsequent testing at a Referral Food Laboratory confirmed the presence of these pesticides above the legal threshold. Consequently, FSSAI has directed the company to recall the entire affected batch, identified by batch number E080668761, from the market immediately. The company is also required to maintain a comprehensive record of the recalled products and submit a status report within a specified timeframe, along with implementing corrective measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Severe Hygiene Violations at Creative Bakers

In a separate but equally serious enforcement action, FSSAI suspended the license of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Private Limited. The decision followed an inspection that unearthed appalling conditions within the bakery's production and handling areas. The inspection team reported the presence of dirt, grease, dust, cobwebs, and flies throughout the facility, posing a direct threat to food safety.

The investigation highlighted several critical failures in food handling and infrastructure:

• Perishable raw materials were found stored in open conditions, exposed to contaminants.
• Rusted and improperly cleaned containers were being used to store raw and semi-finished products.
• The premises suffered from a significant pest infestation, with inadequate pest control measures in place.
• There were no proper arrangements to prevent the entry of flies or rodents, and windows lacked necessary insect-proof netting.
• The food handling area was cluttered with waste, old stock, rejected items, and scrap material.

Infrastructure and Documentation Lapses

Beyond hygiene, the physical state of the Creative Bakers facility was found to be deteriorating. Inspectors noted rusted machinery, peeling paint on walls, and persistent dampness or seepage issues. In several areas, the floor tiles were broken, making proper cleaning nearly impossible, while these structural deficiencies further compounded the risks associated with food production at the site.

Plus, the company failed to maintain essential food safety records and systems, while the missing documentation included reports on water and finished product testing, monitoring of time and temperature during production, machinery inspection logs, and maintenance schedules. Also, there were no records for mock recalls, customer complaints, employee training, or internal audits. Due to these extensive failures, the company has been ordered to cease all food business activities during the suspension period.