FSSAI orders recall of coriander powder over pesticide residue violations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered the immediate recall of two food products after laboratory tests found them unsafe and not compliant with food safety standards.

The products are Shalimar's Chef – Coriander Powder, manufactured by Nilgiri Oil & Allied Industries, and Carrageenan, manufactured by Aquagri Processing Pvt Ltd.

FSSAI finds pesticide residue concerns in coriander powder

According to FSSAI, a regulatory sample of Shalimar's Chef coriander powder was collected from the premises of Nilgiri Oil & Allied Industries under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006.

Laboratory testing found the sample unsatisfactory for pesticide residues and not compliant with the prescribed standards under the relevant food product and contaminant regulations. The food analyst subsequently classified the sample as unsafe.

The company appealed the finding, following which a second sample was sent for retesting. The retest also found the product non-compliant with standards relating to pesticide residues. Based on the findings, authorities reaffirmed its unsafe status.

Carrageenan sample found unsafe due to high cadmium

In a separate case, FSSAI said a sample of carrageenan collected from Aquagri Processing Pvt Ltd was found to contain cadmium above the permissible limit.

The food analyst declared the product unsafe. After the company exercised its right to appeal, the sample was sent to a Referral Food Laboratory for retesting. The laboratory also concluded that the product was unsafe under the provisions of the FSS Act.

FSSAI said both products were being manufactured in violation of applicable food safety regulations. It has directed the companies to immediately recall the affected products from the market and follow the measures required under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017.