FSSAI has prohibited the sale of compounded asafoetida manufactured by Everest Food Products and Laljee Godhoo after laboratory tests found samples below the prescribed quality standard.
Highlights:
• FSSAI prohibits sale of compounded asafoetida from Everest and Laljee Godhoo
• Action taken after products were found substandard in laboratory tests
• Alcohol-soluble extract in hing must be at least 5% under prescribed standards
• Tested Everest samples recorded levels ranging from 0% to 4.4%
• Sale has been stopped with immediate effect until further orders
• Everest has been asked to submit a corrective action plan
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited the sale of compounded asafoetida, commonly known as hing powder, manufactured by Everest Food Products Private Limited and Laljee Godhoo and Company after laboratory tests found the products to be substandard.
The prohibition orders were issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, following laboratory testing of samples collected during inspections and market surveillance.
In the case of Everest Food Products, samples of compounded asafoetida and its variants were found to be misbranded and substandard. Laboratory analysis showed that the products did not meet the prescribed requirement for alcohol-soluble extract.
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, compounded asafoetida must contain at least 5% alcohol-soluble extract.
According to the regulatory findings, one tested sample recorded an alcohol-soluble extract of 0%. Everest’s Yellow Hing Powder recorded 3.29%, while Black Hing Powder was found to contain 4.4%. All three readings were below the mandatory 5% threshold.
FSSAI said surveillance samples collected from different sources and locations had repeatedly shown alcohol-soluble extract levels below the prescribed standard. The regulator subsequently ordered an immediate halt to sales until further orders.
The order also referred to earlier compliance reviews involving some other Everest products, including Chicken Masala, Garam Masala and Egg Curry Powder. These reviews had flagged issues including non-declaration of salt content exceeding 5% and inadequate declaration of spice content on product labels.
Everest Food Products has been directed to submit an action plan detailing the corrective measures it plans to take and ensure that only products complying with food safety standards are marketed.
The regulator has warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation or comply with its directions could result in further action under the applicable food safety law.
