The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sanctioned prosecution against three food manufacturers and issued compliance notices to three other food business operators for alleged violations of food safety and regulatory requirements. The enforcement action covers the use of material unfit for human consumption, unsafe milk, excessive pesticide residues in raisins, poor hygiene, inadequate storage facilities and licensing irregularities.
The action underscores the regulator’s focus on enforcing the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and holding food businesses accountable for compliance with prescribed safety standards.
Priyagold biscuit maker faces prosecution
FSSAI has sanctioned prosecution against M/s Surya Food & Agro Ltd., the manufacturer of Priyagold biscuits, after an inspection triggered by consumer complaints reportedly found cattle-feed bran being used as a source of fibre in biscuit manufacturing.
Inspectors found gunny bags marked for animal feed at the facility, along with deficiencies in plant hygiene, pest control and raw material storage. The findings led to the suspension of the company's licence and the initiation of prosecution proceedings.
Dodla Dairy milk found unsafe
Prosecution has also been sanctioned against M/s Dodla Dairy Limited over its “Full Cream Milk”. The initial laboratory analysis found that the milk did not meet the prescribed milk-fat standard. Subsequent testing by the Referral Food Laboratory reportedly confirmed the presence of contaminants identified as detergent or caustic soda.
The findings led to the product being classified as both unsafe and substandard, prompting regulatory action against the dairy company.
Pesticide residues detected in organic raisins
FSSAI has also sanctioned prosecution against M/s Ueir Organic Foods Private Limited after laboratory testing of its “Yellow Raisins” detected multiple pesticide residues exceeding permissible limits.
The findings included unpermitted levels of chemicals such as thiamethoxam and fluopyram metabolites. The violations raised concerns over compliance with pesticide-residue requirements applicable to organic food products.
Three operators receive compliance notices
Apart from the prosecution proceedings, FSSAI has issued formal notices to three other food business operators, directing them to explain the violations and take corrective measures within the stipulated period.
Narpadham Foods was cited for multiple deficiencies, including the failure to prominently display its updated licence, inadequate working space, dust accumulation and the absence of proper pest-screening arrangements. The inspection also identified a lack of food-grade packaging certifications and unverified health claims on product packaging. The company was directed to remove the retailer category from its licence because it did not have an operational retail outlet.
Sun Ridges Health Carers received a notice over hygiene and storage deficiencies. These included storing cereal products directly on bare floors, poor sanitation, unclean food-contact equipment and the failure to maintain water-testing records and employee medical records.
In another case, M/s Sha Kantilal Jayantilal was issued a notice after inspectors found its licensed premises completely closed during the inspection. The company was asked to provide documents clarifying its declared business activities under retail, wholesale and import categories.
FSSAI has warned that failure to comply with the notices within the prescribed timelines could lead to further regulatory action, including suspension or cancellation of licences.