FSSAI Bans Everest, Laljee Godhoo Hing Sales After Quality Tests Flag Violation

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited the sale of compounded hing made by Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd and Laljee Godhoo and Company after laboratory testing found multiple batches non-compliant with prescribed food standards.

The action followed a consumer complaint that prompted surveillance. FSSAI collected legal samples from the companies’ licensed units in Mumbai and joint sampling at Everest’s Umbergaon facility in Gujarat. Primary laboratory reports found all legal compounded hing samples tested to be sub-standard.

Under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, compounded hing is made by blending raw hing with permitted ingredients such as gum Arabic, starches and flours. The finished product must provide at least 5 per cent alcohol-soluble extract, to ensure adequate raw hing content.

Everest’s samples contained only 0-3 per cent alcohol-soluble extract. One sample recorded 0 per cent, while Yellow Hing Powder and Black Hing Powder recorded 3.29 per cent and 4.4 per cent, respectively. The samples were therefore described as misbranded and sub-standard.

At Laljee Godhoo’s Mumbai unit, FSSAI tested six varieties of raw hing. All contained 15-32 per cent starch, dramatically exceeding the prescribed maximum of 1 per cent by weight. Raw hing must also contain at least 12 per cent alcohol-soluble extract. The excessive starch rendered the raw material sub-standard and the compounded hing adulterated.

FSSAI has issued Prohibition of Sale orders against both companies to protect consumers. Everest has been directed to submit an action plan to rectify the malpractice and ensure only standard products are sold under its licence. Laljee Godhoo received a similar direction covering raw materials and finished products.

Both firms have also been advised to undertake a voluntary recall of sub-standard products already in the market. FSSAI warned that further action could follow if satisfactory compliance is not established.

The case highlights the regulator’s role in enforcing composition and quality standards in India, and underscores the importance of strict raw-material quality throughout food production