The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated the immediate recall of Shalimar’s Chef Coriander Powder and Carrageenan due to findings that both items do not comply with food safety standards. This recall affects Nilgiri Oil & Allied Industries, associated with the coriander powder, and Aquagri Processing Pvt Ltd, the maker of Carrageenan. The FSSAI’s decision was prompted by regulatory testing that identified the products as unsafe for consumption, as per the relevant legislation.

Findings Prompt Action Against Companies

An official regulatory sample of Shalimar’s Chef Coriander Powder collected from Nilgiri Oil & Allied Industries was subjected to testing to ascertain its compliance with food safety criteria. The results revealed pesticide residues exceeding the allowable levels stipulated in FSSAI regulations related to contaminants and toxins. Following the unsatisfactory evaluations, the product was deemed “unsafe” as defined in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

A similar situation has arisen with Aquagri Processing Pvt Ltd after a sample of Carrageenan collected by an FSSAI official revealed issues related to cadmium levels, which were found to be non-compliant with set specifications. The Food Analyst subsequently classified this sample as “unsafe”, prompting the company to also exercise its right to appeal. The matter was referred to a Referral Food Laboratory, which upheld the safety concerns, confirming the product’s unsuitability.

Consumer Safety and Compliance Emphasised

The FSSAI has stated that the findings indicate both products fail to meet established food safety regulations, thus breaching the provisions of the FSS Act and its associated regulations. As a direct result of this determination, the affected food business operators have been instructed to immediately effectuate the recall of the implicated products and implement necessary measures in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017.

The recall announcements for these products occur amidst heightened vigilance within the food regulatory landscape, particularly following a series of enforcement actions by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe is leading a concerted effort against food safety violations across the state, which has triggered extensive regulatory operations targeting various eateries and packaged food vendors. This proactive approach has catalysed discussions regarding the quality and safety of food items available to consumers in India.

The recall orders serve as a testament to the FSSAI’s ongoing commitment to ensuring compliance, rigorous testing, and safeguarding consumer health. The companies involved are now required to follow through with the recalls and take the necessary corrective actions under the prevalent food safety frameworks, reaffirming the importance of stringent quality assurance in the food industry.

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