PANAJI
Goa's Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has ordered the immediate recall and sale ban of several ghee brands and a cumin powder product after they were classified as “sub-standard” by food safety authorities.
In a public notice, FDA Director Shweta Desai said the action follows directions issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The recall covers Shree Saras ghee in both loose and pre-packed forms, Gokul pre-packed cow ghee, Shradda pre-packed cow ghee, and the popular 'Everest' brand's pre-packed cumin powder. The FDA has directed wholesalers, distributors, retailers and online delivery platforms operating in Goa to stop selling the affected products with immediate effect. “Any existing stock must be removed from the shelves, isolated and reported to the local Food Safety Officer,” Desai said.
The FDA has also warned that failure to comply with the order will attract strict action under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Businesses across the supply chain in the State have been asked to ensure the recalled products are withdrawn from circulation without delay.
In a separate advisory, the FDA has urged consumers not to purchase or consume the specified products. “If you have recently purchased these products, discontinue their use immediately,” Desai said. The move comes as food safety regulators intensify market surveillance and quality checks on packaged food and dairy products.
The FDA has called for the cooperation of traders, e-commerce platforms and consumers to facilitate the swift withdrawal of the products from the market.
