FSSAI recalls Everest cumin powder batch

• FSSAI orders recall of Everest cumin powder due to pesticides
• Batch E080668761 found with unsafe Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam
• Consumers should check packaging and avoid using this specific batch

It's a staple in virtually every Indian kitchen, a foundational spice for countless dishes. But a recent food safety alert has put a popular brand under the scanner, forcing consumers to check their pantries for a potentially unsafe product.

What Exactly Happened?

India's food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has ordered an immediate recall for a specific batch of pre-packed cumin powder from Everest Food Products. The action was taken after lab tests on a sample found that it contained pesticide residues at levels exceeding the legally permitted limits, leading the regulator to declare the product 'unsafe' for consumption. The recall order is part of what appears to be a broader push by the FSSAI to tighten enforcement and safeguard consumer health across the country.

Which Product Batch Is Affected?

The recall is highly specific and does not apply to all Everest products. Consumers should check their packaging for 'Pre-packed Cumin Powder' with the Batch Number: E080668761. This specific batch was flagged after a regulatory sample, collected from a resort in Goa, was sent for analysis. After an initial test found the product to be unsafe, Everest was given the chance to appeal. However, a second test by a Referral Food Laboratory confirmed the initial findings, cementing the decision to issue a full recall of the batch.

What Contaminants Were Found?

The laboratory tests detected two specific substances: Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam. Azoxystrobin is a fungicide used to protect crops from fungal diseases, while Thiamethoxam is a common insecticide. While both are used in agriculture, food safety laws set strict maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the amount that can be present in final consumer products. In the case of the recalled Everest batch, the levels of these two pesticides were found to be above the prescribed safety threshold.

What Should You Do If You Have This Product?

First, do not panic. The recall is for a single batch. Check any Everest Cumin Powder in your home for the batch number E080668761. If your package matches this number, you should not consume it. The safest course of action is to either throw the product out or return it to the store where you purchased it. FSSAI has directed Everest to not only withdraw the stock from the market but also to implement corrective measures to prevent this from happening again. Experts advise against trying to 'cook off' the pesticides, as heat does not reliably eliminate such chemical residues.

A Wider Pattern of Scrutiny

This recall doesn't exist in a vacuum. It comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for major Indian spice brands, both domestically and internationally. Earlier in the year, food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore also flagged certain products from Indian brands, including Everest, for containing traces of the pesticide ethylene oxide. This has put pressure on Indian regulators to intensify their own testing and enforcement. The FSSAI has been visibly more active in recent months, publicising its enforcement actions on social media to increase transparency and consumer awareness. However, some critics note that while regulatory action is increasing, the system still faces challenges, including a shortage of food-safety officers and testing labs for India's vast population.