Food Authority Orders Patanjali Foods To Recall Batch Of Red Chilli Powder Over Safety Norms

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed Patanjali Foods Ltd to recall a specified batch of packed red chilli powder, reported PTI. The company confirmed the recall in a regulatory filing, citing non-conformity with established food safety norms. FSSAI "has directed Patanjali Foods to initiate the recall of the entire batch of implicated food (i.e. Red Chilli Powder (packed) of Batch No. - AJD2400012 due to non-conformance of Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011", the company said.

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Incorporated in 1986, Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali Ayurved group firm, Patanjali Foods (erstwhile Ruchi Soya) is one of India's top FMCG players. The company is present in edible oils, food and FMCG, and wind power generation sectors. It sells products under various brands like Patanjali, Ruchi Gold, Nutrela, etc.

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Patanjali Foods posted a 21 per cent increase in standalone net profit to Rs 308.97 crore for the September quarter, reported PTI. Its net profit stood at Rs 254.53 crore in the year-ago period. Total income rose to Rs 8,198.52 crore during the second quarter of this fiscal year from Rs 7,845.79 crore in the year-ago period.

The recall highlights the importance of adhering to food safety regulations to maintain consumer trust and product quality.

Patanjali Foods Limited issued a statement in response to the recall, saying that the company "recalled a small batch of 4 tonnes of Red Chilli Powder (200 gram pack). The product sample when tested was found not to conform to the maximum permitted limit of pesticide residue. The FSSAI sets Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticide residue for various food items including Red Chilli powder."

Further, the statement continued, "In line with specified regulatory norms, the Company has taken immediate steps to inform its distribution channel partners and released advertisements to reach out to the consumers who have purchased the product and urged them to return it to the place of purchase and claim a full refund."

They added, "The Company is assessing its agricultural produce suppliers and taking measures to have stringent quality control processes for the procurement of agricultural produce and to ensure full compliance with the FSSAI regulations."