What Did FSSAI Find?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered CG Foods India to halt the production of its 'veg bhujia namkeen' products. The directive came after an inspection at the company's facility in Roopangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, revealed
several serious violations of food safety and hygiene regulations. According to FSSAI, the action was prompted by findings of unsafe processing, manufacturing without a proper license, and incorrect packaging dates. The regulator announced the enforcement action publicly, underscoring its commitment to upholding food safety standards through strict measures.
Shocking Lapses in Hygiene and Production
Among the most alarming findings was the discovery that the unit was re-processing broken noodles that had been collected from the floor. These floor-collected noodles were reportedly being turned into bhujia products without undergoing proper heat treatment, a significant food safety risk. Furthermore, FSSAI officials found that the company was engaging in the unlicensed manufacturing of two specific bhujia variants, 'Wai-Wai MaMa' and 'Wai-Wai Mama Punte'. The inspection also uncovered the use of pre-dated packaging, meaning the dates on the packages were not accurate. In response to these lapses, FSSAI seized over 32,000 kg of stock, including loose broken noodles, and detained nearly 2,000 boxes of expired finished goods.
Who is CG Foods?
CG Foods India is a subsidiary of CG Corp Global, a multinational conglomerate led by Nepali billionaire Binod Chaudhary. While the company is most famous in India for its 'Wai-Wai' brand of instant noodles, it has also expanded its portfolio to include a variety of packaged snacks. The recent action brings the company's diversification into the highly competitive bhujia and namkeen market under intense scrutiny. The FSSAI has made it clear that the company must discontinue the production of the implicated veg bhujia namkeen products until it secures the proper approvals and implements corrective measures.
What Happens Next?
Strict legal proceedings have been initiated against CG Foods. The FSSAI has collected several samples from the facility for laboratory analysis, including the loose noodles, bhujia products, and even used cooking oil. The regulator has warned that further action will be taken based on the results of these lab tests and the overall findings of the inspection. For now, the production of the specific bhujia products at the Ajmer facility remains suspended. This action does not constitute a nationwide ban on all Wai-Wai products but is a targeted enforcement measure against specific violations at a single production unit.
The Bigger Picture for Snack Safety
This incident is part of a broader trend of increased vigilance by FSSAI. The regulator has recently been active in addressing misleading labels and unhygienic practices across the food industry. From proposing front-of-pack warning labels for products high in sugar, salt, and fat to cracking down on false '100%' claims, the authority is signalling a move towards greater transparency and accountability. Recent government data also highlights wider concerns, with a monitoring program finding that thousands of food samples across India contained pesticide residues above prescribed safety limits between 2023 and 2026. These actions collectively highlight the ongoing challenges and regulatory efforts to ensure the food sold in Indian markets is safe for consumption.
