‘Adulteration in Asafoetida’; Serious lapses detected during examination, LG, Everest banned

NEW DELHI: The production of asafoetida by the brands Everest and LG (Laljee Godhoo) has been banned following findings of quality violations. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took the action after laboratory tests found that the products did not meet the prescribed quality standards. The ban will come into effect immediately.

An inspection found that the samples were substandard and had improper labelling. There is also a possibility that directions will be issued to return substandard products presently available in the market. Irregularities were also detected in Everest’s egg curry masala, chicken masala and garam masala, although these products have not been banned at present.

The samples were collected from manufacturing units in Mumbai and Umbergaon in Gujarat following a consumer complaint. Strict action was taken against the brands for failing to comply with regulations prescribed by the FSSAI.

Tests found that LG asafoetida powder contained starch well above the permitted limit. Under the regulations, asafoetida cannot contain more than one percent starch by weight. However, the LG asafoetida powder samples were found to contain between 15 percent and 32 percent starch.

In addition, asafoetida powder is required to contain at least five percent ‘alcohol-soluble extract’. However, tests of Everest’s samples found only zero to three percent of the extract. The FSSAI has directed both companies to submit a clear action plan on compliance with the prescribed standards and explain the violations. The authority also instructed the companies to ensure that only products complying with food safety regulations are manufactured and sold in the future.