Animal-feed bran used in Priyagold biscuits:Detergent found in Dodla milk, FSSAI files cases against 3 firms; pesticide detected in raisins

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has begun legal proceedings to file criminal cases against three major companies after serious irregularities were found in food products. They include ‘Surya Food and Agro’, which makes PriyaGold biscuits, ‘Dodla Dairy’ and ‘UEIR Organic Foods’. FSSAI found animal-feed bran in the biscuits, detergent and caustic soda in the milk, and dangerous pesticide residues in the raisins. The FSSAI announced through a social media post on Saturday that it had initiated proceedings against the three companies. PriyaGold biscuits: Cattle bran added to increase fibre FSSAI had received a complaint from a customer alleging negligence in the production of PriyaGold biscuits. After the complaint, a food safety team inspected the Surya Food and Agro plant, where serious shortcomings in food safety and hygiene were found. According to the investigation report, the bran the company was using in its biscuits to increase their fibre content was not fit for human consumption. The bran had been prepared as cattle feed. Irregularities were also found at the plant in cleaning, pest control, employee hygiene, and the handling and storage of items. The FSSAI had earlier suspended the company’s licence and has now begun the legal process to prosecute it in court. Harm caused by cattle-feed bran: It can pose a risk of mycotoxins and fungal infections and may cause serious digestive illnesses. Dodla Dairy: Detergent and caustic soda found in full-cream milk The second case is linked to Dodla Dairy. The FSSAI team collected a sample of Dodla Dairy’s ‘full-cream milk’ for testing. In its preliminary analysis, the food analyst found that the milk contained less fat than the prescribed limit and declared it substandard, or of poor quality. The company appealed against the decision, following which the sample was sent to the Referral Food Laboratory. The referral laboratory’s investigation revealed that the milk was not only substandard but also completely ‘unsafe’ for health because it contained detergent and caustic soda.
Approval has been granted to register a case against Dodla Dairy and the officials associated with its manufacture and marketing, based on the laboratory report. Harm caused by detergent/caustic soda in milk: It can cause stomach ulcers, damage to the intestines, and serious effects on the liver and kidneys. UEIR Organic Foods: Effects of a dangerous pesticide found in yellow raisins The third action has been taken against UEIR Organic Foods. The FSSAI collected a sample of the ‘yellow raisins’ being sold by the company and had it tested in a laboratory. The laboratory report found pesticide residues in the raisins above the prescribed limits. The presence of chemicals and pesticides in a product being sold as organic is a direct violation of food safety regulations. The FSSAI has therefore begun legal action against the company. Harm caused by pesticides in raisins: Long-term consumption may affect the hormonal and nervous systems. Food Safety Act 2006: Punishment for selling unsafe food Under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 (FSS Act 2006), selling substandard or unsafe food is a crime. Adding detergent to milk and animal bran to biscuits places the food in the ‘unsafe’ category. Under this law, the licences of the companies concerned can be cancelled, while responsible officials may face heavy fines and imprisonment after a court trial. FSSAI has made it clear that no compromise on consumer health and food safety will be tolerated.