FSSAI Temporarily Bans Everest Hing, Proposes Red Label Warning on Packaged Foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has temporarily banned the sale of Everest Hing, also known as asafoetida, due to misbranding and substandard quality. This ban is in effect until the company complies with FSSAI's food safety standards.

Additionally, the sale of Laljee Godhoo Hing has been halted temporarily, and a warning has been issued to the company. Three other Everest products - Egg Curry Masala, Chicken Masala, and Garam Masala - were also found to be non-compliant with regulations but no ban was imposed.

The FSSAI has proposed a new 'warning label' to be placed on packaged foods, which will feature a bright red hexagonal symbol. This label is intended to identify products that exceed the prescribed limits for sugar, salt, or saturated fat.

The proposal comes after a Supreme Court bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala reprimanded FSSAI and the government for delaying the implementation of front-of-pack warning labels. The food industry has expressed concerns about some aspects of the proposed rules, with companies such as Coca-Cola, Nestle, and PepsiCo objecting.

On the other hand, Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe urged food business operators to be more responsible and vigilant towards consumers. He emphasized that compliance with regulations is not enough; manufacturers should also strive for quality and consumer safety.