FSSAI flags cattle-feed bran in Priyagold biscuits, detergent in Dodla Dairy milk

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated prosecution proceedings against three food businesses over alleged food safety violations. FSSAI found that cattle-feed bran was used in biscuit manufacturing, detergent or caustic soda in a milk sample and pesticide residues in yellow raisins.

In a social media post on Saturday, the regulator said it had “initiated legal proceedings for prosecution” against the companies over “serious food safety violations”.

The action against Surya Food & Agro, which manufactures Priyagold biscuits, followed an inspection triggered by a consumer complaint. Officials found cattle-feed bran being used as a source of fibre in the biscuits.

“Bran meant for cattle feed and not intended for human consumption was found being used as a raw material in Priyagold biscuit manufacturing as a source of fibre,” FSSAI said.

The gunny bags containing the bran were labelled for cattle feed. Inspectors also reported shortcomings in plant hygiene, pest control, storage and separation of raw materials, staff hygiene and maintenance of the premises.

FSSAI had earlier suspended the manufacturer’s licence after identifying serious non-compliances. It has now initiated prosecution proceedings against the company.

A sample of Dodla Dairy’s full cream milk failed to meet the prescribed milk fat requirements and was initially declared substandard.

After the company appealed, the sample was examined by a Referral Food Laboratory. The laboratory “confirmed that the sample was unsafe due to the presence of detergent/caustic soda and substandard due to milk fat below the minimum prescribed limit.”

The findings indicated violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, concerning unsafe and substandard food. FSSAI approved prosecution proceedings against Dodla Dairy and other food businesses associated with manufacturing and marketing the product.

FSSAI has also initiated prosecution against UEIR Organic Foods after pesticide residues were detected in a sample of yellow raisins sold by the company.

The three cases form part of the regulator’s action against food businesses over serious safety concerns.