FSSAI recalls Everest cumin powder batch

• FSSAI orders recall of Everest cumin powder due to unsafe levels
• Batch E080668761 contains pesticide residues above legal limits
• Consumers should check packaging and avoid using the affected batch

Amid growing concerns over the safety of packaged spices, India's food regulator has ordered a recall of an Everest brand product. This action is not a blanket ban but is targeted at a specific batch of cumin powder found to be 'unsafe'.

What Did FSSAI Announce?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed Everest Food Products Private Limited to immediately recall a specific batch of its pre-packed cumin powder. The action was taken after laboratory tests found that a sample from the batch contained pesticide residues above the legally permissible limits. In a public notification, the FSSAI declared the sample 'unsafe' under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The regulator has instructed the company to withdraw the entire affected batch from the market, maintain recall records, and take corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.

Which Exact Product Is Affected?

The recall is highly specific and does not apply to all Everest products or even all its cumin powder. The action is confined to Everest's pre-packed cumin powder with the Batch Number E080668761. Consumers are advised to check the packaging of any Everest cumin powder they have at home to see if it matches this specific batch number. The sample that led to the recall was collected from the premises of a resort in Goa as part of routine regulatory checks.

Why Was the Batch Deemed Unsafe?

The issue centres on the presence of two specific pesticides: Azoxystrobin, a fungicide, and Thiamethoxam, an insecticide. Laboratory analysis found residues of both these substances at levels that exceeded the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) prescribed by Indian food safety laws. It is important to note that the presence of pesticide residues itself is not uncommon, which is why regulators set these upper safety limits. The problem arises when those limits are breached, as was confirmed in this case. After an initial test found the sample unsafe, Everest was given an opportunity to appeal, leading to a second test at a Referral Food Laboratory, which confirmed the initial findings.

Is This Related to International Bans?

This specific action is separate from the international scrutiny Everest and other Indian spice brands faced in 2024. Back then, countries like Hong Kong and Singapore recalled some spice mixes, including an Everest fish curry masala, due to the presence of ethylene oxide, a sterilising agent linked to health risks. The current FSSAI recall in India involves a different product (cumin powder) and different contaminants (Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam). However, these incidents collectively highlight the increasing global and domestic focus on the quality control and safety standards within India's extensive spice industry.

What Should Consumers Do?

The primary step for consumers is to check their kitchen shelves. If you have a packet of Everest cumin powder, locate the batch number on the packaging. If it matches Batch No. E080668761, you should not consume it. While accidental consumption is not a cause for immediate panic, as the health risk is related to concentration and frequency of exposure, it is best to avoid the affected product entirely. The FSSAI has ordered a full market recall, meaning the product should be pulled from store shelves. For any health-related concerns, consulting a medical professional is always the recommended course of action.