FSSAI orders recall of Everest cumin powder over pesticide residues

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced an immediate recall of a batch of Everest-brand pre-packed cumin powder on October 4, 2026, following laboratory tests that revealed pesticide residues exceeding the permissible limits. This action was deemed necessary after the sample was classified as "unsafe" under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, prompting swift regulatory action from FSSAI [1].

Major Indian news outlets, including Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Business Standard, India Today, and Times of India, reported on FSSAI's directive for Everest Food Products / Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd to withdraw the affected cumin powder batch from the market. The reports uniformly indicated that the recall was initiated due to significant pesticide residue levels found in the product [1].

While FSSAI acted on just one specific batch of cumin powder, it is important to note that the agency has not instituted a nationwide ban on all Everest products. The recall pertains solely to this identified batch, which has been found to pose a risk due to contaminants [2].

Although the reporting consistently highlights the term "unsafe" in connection to the tested cumin powder, the sources did not consistently provide the specific batch number associated with the recall. Thus, while the safety concerns are abundantly clear, the precise lot identifier remains unconfirmed across the reports referenced [2].

Furthermore, on the same day, FSSAI also took separate enforcement actions by suspending the license of Creative Bakers and Confectioners Pvt Ltd due to hygiene and food safety violations. However, this incident is unrelated to the Everest cumin powder recall and represents a distinct regulatory issue [3].

It's essential to clarify that this recall should not be conflated with the previous international scrutiny directed at Indian spice brands, including Everest, over concerns of contamination that arose in 2024. The current situation revolves around a separate recall action taken in 2026 involving a specific Everest cumin powder batch [4].

In summary, FSSAI's recall order, corroborated by multiple independent news reports, emphasizes the critical issue of food safety concerning pesticide residues in food products. The October 4 action categorically underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring consumer safety [1].

Sources

• [1] FSSAI recalls Everest cumin power over ‘unsafe’ pesticide levels, suspends Creative Bakers' licence | India News
• [2] FSSAI orders Everest to recall cumin powder after sample found ‘unsafe’ - The Economic Times
• [3] FSSAI Everest cumin recall: Sugarr and Spice licence suspended over hygiene lapses - India Today
• [4] Page_1_Front_Late_Front 09.qxd

Researched and edited with AI assistance.

Featured image: AI-generated representative image.