Laboratory tests confirmed azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam levels above permissible limits, prompting the food regulator to classify the affected batch as unsafe for consumption.
New Delhi, Oct 2026 : The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered the immediate recall of a batch of Everest-brand pre-packed cumin powder after laboratory tests detected pesticide residues exceeding permissible limits, declaring the product unsafe for consumption under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to a notification issued by the food regulator on Sunday, the affected batch contained residues of two pesticides, azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam, at levels higher than the prescribed maximum limits.
The regulatory sample was collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd. in Goa for laboratory testing. The Food Analyst subsequently classified the sample as “unsafe” after identifying excessive pesticide residues.
“A regulatory sample of pre-packed cumin powder was drawn from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd., Goa. The Food Analyst’s report found pesticide residues of azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum limits,” the FSSAI notification stated.
The regulator said the manufacturer was provided an opportunity to challenge the Food Analyst’s findings through the prescribed appeal process. Following the appeal, the sample was referred to a Referral Food Laboratory for further examination.
The Referral Food Laboratory confirmed the original findings, concluding that the cumin powder was unsafe for consumption because the pesticide residues exceeded the permitted levels.
Based on the confirmed laboratory results, FSSAI directed the immediate recall of the entire affected batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder bearing Batch No. E080668761 from the market.
The food regulator has also instructed the concerned food business operator to maintain complete records of the recalled products and submit the necessary recall-related information and status reports within the stipulated timelines.
In addition, the company has been directed to introduce corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. It must also submit a compliance report after completing the recall process.
The action follows the regulatory authority’s assessment of the laboratory findings and the subsequent confirmation by the Referral Food Laboratory.
FSSAI’s notification emphasised that the recall was ordered after the sample was conclusively classified as unsafe under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The recall directive is intended to ensure that the affected batch is removed from circulation and that the prescribed corrective and reporting requirements are followed.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
