FSSAI has initiated prosecution proceedings against three food companies over alleged food safety violations. (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal proceedings for prosecution against three food companies, including the manufacturer of Priyagold biscuits, following findings of serious violations of food safety regulations.
The companies facing action are Surya Food & Agro Ltd., which manufactures Priyagold biscuits; Dodla Dairy Ltd.; and UEIR Organic Foods Pvt. Ltd. The violations flagged by the regulator concern the use of bran intended for cattle feed in biscuit manufacturing, a milk sample found to be unsafe and substandard, and pesticide residues detected in yellow raisins.
The regulator announced the action on Saturday, October 17, following inspections and laboratory assessments that raised concerns over compliance with food safety standards.
In the case of Surya Food & Agro, FSSAI said an inspection was conducted after receiving a consumer complaint. Officials reportedly found that bran meant for cattle consumption was being used as a source of fibre in the manufacture of Priyagold biscuits.
According to the regulator, the gunny bags containing the bran were labelled as material intended for cattle feed and not for human consumption.
The inspection also revealed deficiencies relating to factory hygiene, pest control, storage and segregation of raw materials, employee hygiene, maintenance of the premises and the handling of intermediate formulations. FSSAI had previously suspended the company's licence following the inspection. It has now moved to initiate prosecution proceedings over the alleged violations.
Dodla Dairy has also come under regulatory scrutiny after a sample of its full cream milk failed to meet prescribed quality standards. The initial analysis found that the milk did not comply with the stipulated minimum milk-fat requirements, leading to its classification as substandard.
Following an appeal by the company, the sample was referred to a designated referral laboratory. The subsequent analysis reportedly found the sample unsafe due to the presence of detergent or caustic soda, in addition to confirming that its milk-fat content was below the prescribed minimum.
The findings formed the basis for proceedings concerning the supply of unsafe and substandard food under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The competent authority sanctioned prosecution against Dodla Dairy and the other food business operators concerned with the product's manufacture and marketing.
UEIR Organic Foods is facing legal action over yellow raisins in which pesticide residues were detected during regulatory testing. The findings raised concerns about the product's compliance with prescribed food safety requirements.
The regulator has proceeded with prosecution in connection with the alleged violations. The case also draws attention to the need for food businesses marketing products as organic to comply with applicable food safety and quality standards.
