The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has commenced legal proceedings against Surya Food & Agro, the producer of Priyagold biscuits, for allegedly incorporating cattle feed bran into its biscuit production. This action follows a consumer complaint that prompted regulatory inspections and laboratory analyses, revealing serious violations of food safety standards. The FSSAI has confirmed that these proceedings are initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
During the inspection of Surya Food & Agro’s facility, FSSAI officials discovered significant deficiencies in food safety and hygiene practices. The investigation revealed that the company was using bran specifically intended for cattle feed, as indicated by the markings on the gunny bags found at the site. This raises serious concerns regarding the safety of the biscuits intended for human consumption.
In addition to the use of inappropriate raw materials, the inspection identified various shortcomings in other operational areas. These included inadequate plant hygiene, insufficient pest control measures, improper raw material storage, and poor personnel hygiene practices. The FSSAI’s findings highlighted a lack of compliance with established food safety and hygiene regulations.
Prosecution Proceedings Against Dodla Dairy
FSSAI has also initiated prosecution against Dodla Dairy following the discovery of substandard full cream milk. A sample collected by food safety authorities was subjected to laboratory analysis, which revealed that the milk did not meet the required specifications for milk fat content. The initial findings prompted Dodla Dairy to appeal, leading to a referral to a specialised food laboratory.
The Referral Food Laboratory confirmed that the milk sample was unsafe, citing the presence of detergent and caustic soda, along with a milk fat content that fell below the minimum prescribed limit. These results established significant violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, leading to further legal action against Dodla Dairy and associated food business operators.
In light of these findings, the competent authority has granted permission to proceed with prosecution against Dodla Dairy, reinforcing the commitment to uphold food safety standards. The ongoing legal proceedings underscore the seriousness of the violations detected during the regulatory inspections.
UEIR Organic Foods Faces Legal Action Over Pesticide Residues
In a separate case, the FSSAI has initiated prosecution against UEIR Organic Foods after pesticide residues were found in a sample of yellow raisins sold by the company. This discovery raised significant food safety concerns, prompting the regulatory body to take action against the business. The presence of pesticide residues is a serious violation of food safety regulations, necessitating immediate intervention.
The cases involving Surya Food & Agro, Dodla Dairy, and UEIR Organic Foods illustrate distinct instances of alleged non-compliance with food safety standards. These violations range from using ingredients not intended for human consumption to deficiencies in milk quality and pesticide contamination in food products. The FSSAI’s actions reflect a broader commitment to ensuring food safety across the industry.
The initiation of prosecution proceedings against these companies marks a critical step in addressing the violations identified through consumer complaints, inspections, and laboratory testing. The cases will now proceed through the relevant legal channels, reinforcing the importance of adhering to food safety regulations in India.
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