What Exactly Happened?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered CG Foods India Pvt. Ltd. to stop producing its 'veg bhujia namkeen' products. This directive came after a recent inspection of the company's manufacturing facility in Roopangarh, Ajmer,
Rajasthan, revealed several serious violations of food safety and hygiene regulations. The regulator initiated what it termed "strict enforcement action" due to findings of unsafe processing, unlicensed manufacturing, and improper packaging. As part of the action, FSSAI seized a massive quantity of stock—over 32,000 kg—including loose broken noodles intended for processing. Additionally, officials detained nearly 2,000 boxes of expired finished goods found at the site.
The Products Under Scrutiny
The primary focus of the FSSAI's action is on the company's 'veg bhujia namkeen'. Specifically, the regulator identified the unlicensed manufacturing of two variants: 'Wai-Wai MaMa' and 'Wai-Wai MaMa Punte' bhujia. While CG Foods is widely known for its Wai-Wai brand of instant noodles, this move specifically targets its expansion into the traditional Indian snack market. During the inspection, samples of not only the bhujia products but also loose noodle material, used cooking oil, and even 'Wai-Wai Ready to Eat Noodles' were collected for detailed laboratory analysis. The results of these tests will determine if further regulatory action is needed.
The Reasons Behind the FSSAI's Action
The FSSAI's decision was based on multiple alarming discoveries during the plant inspection. A major concern was the finding that the unit was reprocessing broken noodles that had been collected from the floor and turning them into bhujia products without any proper heat treatment, a significant hygiene risk. Inspectors also found that the company was using predated packaging, meaning the dates on the packages were not accurate. Beyond these critical issues, the facility had numerous other hygiene and documentation deficiencies, such as inadequate records for pest control. The unlicensed production of the bhujia variants was a direct violation of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006.
Who is CG Foods?
CG Foods India is a subsidiary of the Nepal-based conglomerate Chaudhary Group and is a major player in India's instant noodle market, primarily through its flagship Wai-Wai brand. While immensely popular, the company is no stranger to regulatory scrutiny. It has faced legal and regulatory proceedings in India over the last decade, including issues related to packaging litigation and a GST-related profiteering finding in 2026. The company's products were also examined during the broader crackdown on instant noodles in 2015. This latest action by FSSAI puts a spotlight on the company's manufacturing practices beyond its core noodle business.
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
For now, the FSSAI has ordered production of the specified bhujia products to be discontinued until proper approvals and safety measures are in place. This is not a product recall issued to consumers, but a directive to the manufacturer to halt production. The action serves as a strong reminder for consumers to always check packaging for the FSSAI license number, and be wary of products with damaged packaging or suspicious labels. The regulator's move underscores its increasing vigilance in the packaged foods sector, aiming to ensure that the snacks available on shelves are manufactured under safe and hygienic conditions. Consumers should await further information pending the results of the laboratory tests on the collected samples.
