"Sub-Standard": Everest, Laljee Godhoo Banned From Selling Hing Powder

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken strict action against Everest Food and Laljee Godhoo for their compounded hing powder products. The regulator has banned the sale of all variants of compounded hing until further notice due to multiple compliance issues found in their products. The FSSAI's investigation revealed that the samples of compounded Asafoetida (Hing Powder) and Yellow and Black Hing Powder were found to be "misbranded and sub-standard" with an alcoholic extract below the prescribed standard of 5%.

Furthermore, the samples failed to declare salt content exceeding 5% and spice content on the label. The FSSAI also noted a "consistent non-compliance" with the Asafoetida collected from various sources, finding it "sub-standard" with less than the required 5% alcoholic extract. In response, the FSSAI has directed Everest Food to submit an action plan for rectifying the continued malpractice of selling sub-standard Compounded Hing/Asafoetida. Failure to comply will result in further action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.