FSSAI Bans Sale of Everest, Laljee Godhoo Hing Powder After Samples Fail Quality Tests
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a "Prohibition of Sale" order blocking Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd and Laljee Godhoo & Company (LG) from selling compounded hing (asafoetida) powder after market samples failed safety and quality checks.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a "Prohibition of Sale" order blocking Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd and Laljee Godhoo & Company (LG) from selling compounded hing (asafoetida) powder after market samples failed safety and quality checks. The regulatory action was triggered by a consumer complaint regarding product quality, prompting nationwide surveillance and testing of major spice brands by the food regulator and state authorities.
Lab Tests Expose Severe Quality Deviations
Under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, compounded hing must contain a minimum of 5% alcohol-soluble extract derived from raw asafoetida. Laboratory tests conducted on samples collected directly from manufacturing facilities in Mumbai and Umbergaon, Gujarat, revealed significant non-compliance. Red Warning Labels on Packaged Food? FSSAI Proposes ‘High Sugar’, ‘High Salt’ Tags.
The analyzed samples contained only 0% to 3% alcohol-soluble extract, indicating that the manufacturers used 30% to 40% less raw hing than required by legal standards. Furthermore, raw hing samples tested from Laljee Godhoo contained starch levels between 15% and 32%, far exceeding the legally permitted 1% cap.
Regulatory Mandate and Next Steps
The FSSAI has prohibited both companies from selling multiple non-compliant batches across retail platforms. In addition to halting sales, the apex regulator directed Everest and Laljee Godhoo to immediately submit detailed corrective action plans outlining how they intend to rectify manufacturing defects and restore product standards. Nationwide Ban on Analogue Paneer? FSSAI Mulls Nationwide Prohibition As States Act.
Broader Oversight on Household Spices
This crackdown comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny over Indian household spices. Over recent months, the food authority has intensified random market sampling, inspections, and quality audits across both regional and national spice manufacturers to enforce strict compliance with pesticide levels, proper labeling, and ingredient purity.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2026 06:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).