India's primary food safety regulator has issued a nationwide sales prohibition on asafoetida powder produced by two major condiment brands, Everest Food Products and Laljee Godhoo and Company. The enforcement action follows routine quality assessments that revealed the products failed to meet established regulatory standards and featured deceptive product packaging.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India determined that the affected spice products fell short of mandatory purity and quality benchmarks. In addition to sub-standard composition, investigators noted that the labeling on the packaging violated consumer protection rules by presenting misleading information regarding the contents.
Asafoetida, commonly known as hing, is a staple ingredient in many Indian households and is widely used across the subcontinent for its distinct flavor and digestive properties. Because of its strong aroma and high price point in its pure form, the spice is frequently blended with edible starches and gum Arabic to make it commercially viable for everyday cooking. Regulatory bodies maintain strict oversight to ensure these commercial blends do not cross legal thresholds or deceive buyers regarding their true composition.
Following the intervention, the regulatory agency has instructed both food processing companies to submit comprehensive corrective action plans. These proposals must detail the steps the businesses will take to rectify the identified manufacturing deficiencies and prevent future occurrences.
The companies must also demonstrate full compliance with national food safety statutes before any consideration is given to lifting the current distribution bans. The regulatory body continues to monitor commercial spice markets across the country to protect consumers from adulterated goods and ensure transparency in food labeling.
Reporting based on coverage first published by The Times of India. Read the original report at The Times of India.
