The Specifics of the Recall
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered an immediate recall for a single batch of Everest's pre-packed cumin (jeera) powder. The specific batch identified is E080668761. The recall was initiated after a regulatory sample,
collected from a resort in Goa, was tested in a lab. The tests revealed that the sample was 'unsafe' for consumption under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is important to note that this recall applies only to this specific batch number and not to all Everest Jeera Powder products.
Reason for the 'Unsafe' Classification
The recall was triggered by the presence of two pesticides, Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam, at levels exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRLs) prescribed by Indian food safety regulations. Azoxystrobin is a fungicide used to protect crops from fungal diseases, while Thiamethoxam is an insecticide. After the initial report, Everest was given the opportunity to appeal the findings. However, a second test conducted by a Referral Food Laboratory confirmed the initial results, upholding the 'unsafe' classification and leading to the formal recall order.
What Should You Do? Check Your Kitchen
Consumers who have recently purchased Everest Jeera Powder are advised to check the packaging immediately. Look for the batch number, which is typically printed on the packet. If your packet carries the batch number E080668761, you should not consume the product. Experts advise that finding residues above the permitted limit does not automatically mean a person will get sick from a single use, as the risk depends on factors like the amount consumed and frequency of exposure. However, the official advice is to stop using the product from this batch entirely.
Next Steps for Affected Consumers
If you have a packet from the recalled batch, discontinue its use. While specific instructions on returns or refunds for consumers have not been widely detailed, the FSSAI has directed Everest to withdraw the entire affected batch from the market immediately. The company is also required to maintain complete records of the recalled products and submit status reports on the recall process. Consumers can dispose of the product or wait for further instructions from the company or retailers on how to handle returns.
Part of a Wider Clampdown
This domestic recall comes at a time when Indian spice brands are under intense international scrutiny. Earlier this year, both Everest and MDH faced bans in Hong Kong and Singapore for the alleged presence of a different substance, ethylene oxide, in certain products. This FSSAI action demonstrates that regulatory bodies are also actively monitoring and enforcing standards within the domestic market. In a separate action on the same day, FSSAI also suspended the license of a bakery, Creative Bakers and Confectioners, due to severe hygiene deficiencies, signalling a broader enforcement drive.
The Official Word
The FSSAI has been public about this enforcement action, using social media to inform consumers as part of its effort to safeguard public health. As per the latest reports, Everest had not yet issued a formal public statement in response to the recall order. The company has been instructed by the FSSAI not only to recall the batch but also to implement corrective measures to prevent such an incident from happening again and to submit a full report upon the recall's completion.
