New Delhi, October 17 (H.S.): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal proceedings against Surya Food and Agro Limited, the manufacturer of Priyagold biscuits, for allegedly using bran intended for animal feed as an ingredient in biscuit production. The action follows the detection of serious violations of food safety regulations.

In a post on X on Saturday, FSSAI stated that prosecution proceedings had also been initiated against Dodla Dairy and UEIR Organic Foods for serious violations of food safety standards.

According to FSSAI, an inspection of the manufacturing facility operated by Surya Food and Agro, an Indian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company that markets Priyagold biscuits, was conducted following consumer complaints. The inspection revealed several serious deficiencies relating to food safety and hygiene.

“Bran intended for animal feed was being used as a raw material and source of fibre in the manufacture of Priyagold biscuits. This bran was not intended for human consumption,” the regulator said.

FSSAI noted that the sacks containing the bran were clearly labelled as material intended for animal feed and not for human consumption. In view of these serious irregularities, the authority had already suspended Surya Food and Agro’s licence. It has now initiated prosecution proceedings against the company.

In the case of Dodla Dairy, a sample of its full-cream milk was found to be non-compliant with the prescribed standards. A food analyst had declared the sample substandard because its fat content was below the stipulated minimum level.

Following an appeal by the company, the sample was referred to a referral food laboratory for further analysis. According to FSSAI, the laboratory’s findings revealed violations of provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, relating to unsafe and substandard food products.

Consequently, approval was granted to initiate prosecution against Dodla Dairy and other food business operators associated with the manufacture and marketing of the product.

Meanwhile, pesticide residues were detected in a sample of yellow raisins supplied by UEIR Organic Foods. FSSAI has also initiated prosecution proceedings against the company in this case.

The regulator said legal action had been initiated against Dodla Dairy and UEIR Organic Foods over serious violations of food safety requirements. In addition, notices have been issued to Narpadham Foods, Sun Ridges Health Careers and M/s Shah Kantilal Jayantilal.

FSSAI reiterated that, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it follows a policy of zero tolerance towards violations of food safety regulations and any compromise that could endanger public health.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar