ON
← Back to feed
FSSAI cracks down on Everest: Hing banned, 3 masalas found non-compliant
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/2/2026

FSSAI cracks down on Everest: Hing banned, 3 masalas found non-compliant

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has temporarily banned the sale of hing (asafoetida) produced by Everest Food Products and Laljee Godhoo after laboratory tests revealed the product did not meet regulatory standards. The companies have been instructed to provide explanations for the violations and submit action plans to ensure future compliance. They have also been urged to voluntarily recall the substandard products currently available in the market. Additionally, FSSAI found non-compliance in three of Everest's spice products, egg curry masala, chicken masala, and garam masala, but these items have not been banned. Laboratory results showed that the hing samples contained significantly lower amounts of raw hing than required, with some samples having up to 32% starch content, which exceeds permissible limits. In a related development, FSSAI has proposed implementing bright red, hexagonal warning labels on packaged foods with high levels of sugar, salt, or saturated fats, following criticism from the Supreme Court regarding delays in this initiative.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has imposed a temporary ban on the sale of compounded hing (asafoetida) produced by Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd and Laljee Godhoo and Company, citing sub-standard quality and regulatory violations. The decision follows laboratory analysis of samples that revealed multiple discrepancies in the composition and labeling of the products. According to official statements, the hing powder samples were found to be non-compliant with the prescribed standards, particularly regarding the alcohol-soluble extract content, which fell significantly below the required threshold. The FSSAI stated that the samples of compounded asafoetida were found to be “misbranded and sub-standard.” Specifically, one sample recorded zero percent alcohol-soluble extract, far below the mandated minimum of five percent. Other samples, including yellow hing powder and black hing powder, showed alcohol-soluble extract levels of 3.29% and 4.4%, respectively. These findings indicate that the manufacturers were using significantly less raw hing than required, thereby compromising the potency and authenticity of the product. Additionally, the FSSAI highlighted non-declaration of salt content exceeding five percent and failure to list spice content on the labels of several spice mixes, including chicken masala, garam masala, and egg curry powder. The ban applies to all variants of compounded hing produced by both companies, effective immediately. The FSSAI has directed Everest Food to submit an action plan aimed at rectifying the ongoing malpractice of selling sub-standard products and ensuring that only standardized items are made available for sale under the FSS Act, 2006. If the company fails to provide satisfactory explanations or demonstrate compliance, further legal actions will be taken in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. Similarly, Laljee Godhoo and Company has been prohibited from continuing sales of its compounded hing products, with similar demands for corrective measures. In the case of Laljee Godhoo, the FSSAI found that the raw hing varieties used in the production process were sub-standard due to excessive starch content. Under regulation 2.9.29, the starch content in hing should not exceed one percent by weight. However, six different raw hing samples collected from the company’s premises were found to contain between 15 and 32 percent starch, well beyond permissible limits. This indicates widespread contamination or deliberate adulteration of the raw materials, leading to the final product being unfit for consumption. The FSSAI has instructed Laljee Godhoo to submit a detailed action plan outlining steps to ensure future compliance with the prescribed standards. The FSSAI also emphasized that the issue of non-compliance extends beyond just the hing powder itself. Laboratory tests conducted on samples from the manufacturing units of Everest Food in Mumbai and Umbergaon, Gujarat, confirmed that the products did not meet the required specifications. The regulator has called for voluntary recalls of substandard products currently in circulation and has urged both companies to take immediate corrective actions. The ban will remain in place until the companies can demonstrate full adherence to the regulatory framework. This crackdown comes amid broader discussions around food labeling and transparency, as the FSSAI recently proposed the introduction of bright red, hexagonal warning labels on packaging for foods with high levels of sugar, salt, or saturated fats. The initiative followed criticism from the Supreme Court over delayed implementation of such warnings. While this particular action targets hing powder, it reflects the growing emphasis on stringent quality control and consumer protection within the food industry.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 7 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

9 reports

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 98Objective 978/29/2026
FSSAI cracks whip on Everest Food, hing powder sales halted after samples found ‘sub-standard’

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken enforcement action against Everest Food and Laljee Godhoo for selling sub-standard compounded hing powder (asafoetida). The FSSAI found that the hing samples failed to meet regulatory standards, particularly regarding alcohol soluble extract levels, which were below the required minimum of 5%. The agency also noted non-declaration of salt content and spice content on product labels. As a result, the sale of all variants of compounded hing has been banned immediately. The FSSAI has ordered Everest Food to submit an action plan to rectify these violations and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual findings from the FSSAI regarding non-compliance with food safety regulations. It does not take a partisan stance but reports on regulatory actions based on technical standards. There is no evident ideological framing or emphasis on specific political agendas. The tone,措

Why factuality (98): The article provides detailed information about the specific parameters where the hing powder failed, including the alcohol-soluble extract levels and non-declaration of salt and spice content. These details align closely with the cross-source consensus seen in other articles, which mention similar

Why objectivity (97): The article presents the facts in a neutral manner, citing FSSAI directly and avoiding any overtly biased language or commentary. The tone remains professional and objective throughout.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 97Objective 968/29/2026
FSSAI bans sale of hing powder by Everest, Laljee Godhoo over sub-standard quality

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned two companies, Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd and Laljee Godhoo and Company, from selling hing powder due to sub-standard quality. The products were found to contain insufficient alcohol-soluble extract, which violates regulatory standards. Samples of both companies' hing powder were deemed misbranded and sub-standard, with some containing excessive starch levels. The FSSAI has ordered both companies to submit action plans to rectify these issues and ensure compliance with food safety laws.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding regulatory actions taken by FSSAI against two companies for violating food safety standards. There is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on specific political agendas. The tone remains objective, focusing solely on the regulatory findings and罰

Why factuality (97): This article includes specific data like the alcohol-soluble extract levels and mentions the non-compliance in other products like egg curry masala. This aligns with the cross-source consensus and adds more context compared to some other articles.

Why objectivity (96): The article remains largely neutral in tone, presenting the facts without bias. It quotes FSSAI directly and avoids subjective language or framing that would suggest favoritism toward either the companies or the regulator.

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentCenterFactual 96Objective 958/29/2026
FSSAI cracks down on Everest: Hing banned, 3 masalas found non-compliant

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has temporarily banned the sale of hing (asafoetida) produced by Everest Food Products and Laljee Godhoo after laboratory tests revealed the product did not meet regulatory standards. The companies have been instructed to provide explanations for the violations and submit action plans to ensure future compliance. They have also been urged to voluntarily recall the substandard products currently available in the market. Additionally, FSSAI found non-compliance in three of Everest's spice products, egg curry masala, chicken masala, and garam masala, but these items have not been banned. Laboratory results showed that the hing samples contained significantly lower amounts of raw hing than required, with some samples having up to 32% starch content, which exceeds permissible limits. In a related development, FSSAI has proposed implementing bright red, hexagonal warning labels on packaged foods with high levels of sugar, salt, or saturated fats, following criticism from the Supreme Court regarding delays in this initiative.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on regulatory actions taken by FSSAI, focusing on product compliance and health labeling proposals. It presents factual findings from laboratory tests and outlines regulatory responses without overtly favoring any political side. The framing remains neutral, emphasizing adherence

Why factuality (96): The article accurately conveys the main points of the FSSAI ban and includes relevant details about the testing process and the reasons for the failure. It aligns with the cross-source consensus but omits some minor details found in other articles.

Why objectivity (95): The article is mostly neutral but slightly leans towards explaining the situation rather than simply reporting it. There is no strong bias, but there is a slight emphasis on the explanation aspect, which may reduce neutrality slightly.

Firstpost logoFirstpostParty-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 968/29/2026
FSSAI bans Everest food products, Laljee Godhoo from selling sub-standard hing powder

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned Everest food products and Laljee Godhoo from selling sub-standard hing powder. This action was taken due to concerns over the quality and safety of the product, which failed to meet regulatory standards. The ban aims to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with the use of non-compliant food items. Laljee Godhoo, a prominent figure in the hing powder industry, faces significant repercussions from this decision. The move highlights the importance of enforcing food safety regulations to ensure consumer trust and public health.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a regulatory enforcement action by a government body, focusing on food safety standards. It does not exhibit clear ideological framing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. The content is factual and focuses on the regulatory process rather than political ideology.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the core facts, FSSAI banning Everest Food and Laljee Godhoo due to sub-standard hing powder. While it lacks some specifics present in other articles, such as exact percentages of alcohol-soluble extract, it still reflects the cross-source consensus accurately.

Why objectivity (96): The article maintains a neutral tone, focusing on reporting the event without injecting personal opinion or emotional language. It avoids taking sides or providing unnecessary commentary.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 94Objective 958/29/2026
"Sub-Standard": Everest, Laljee Godhoo Banned From Selling Hing Powder

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the sale of compounded asafoetida (hing powder) products by Everest and Laljee Godhoo with immediate effect. This decision comes after concerns were raised regarding the quality and safety standards of these products. The ban aims to protect consumers from potentially harmful or sub-standard goods. The affected companies are now prohibited from selling their hing powder variants until they comply with the required regulations.

Bias read (Center): The article reports a regulatory action taken by the FSSAI, which is a governmental body. The content is factual and does not show clear bias toward any political side. It focuses on the enforcement of food safety standards rather than making value judgments or emphasizing particular political stanc

Why factuality (94): The article accurately summarizes the core event, FSSAI banning Everest and Laljee Godhoo for sub-standard hing powder. However, it lacks some of the specific details included in other articles, such as the alcohol-soluble extract percentages.

Why objectivity (95): The article maintains a neutral tone overall, focusing on the facts without introducing bias or emotional language. It presents the information clearly and objectively.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 87Objective 928/29/2026
FSSAI bans Everest, LG from selling hing

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned Everest Food Products Private Limited and Laljee Godhoo and Company from selling their compounded hing (asafoetida) products due to non-compliance with safety standards. Samples tested by FSSAI showed that the alcohol-soluble extract content was below the required minimum of 5%. Everest’s products recorded zero percent, 3.29%, and 4.4% in different tests. Previous compliance checks had already identified issues with other products like chicken masala and garam masala, including labeling problems. This action highlights concerns over food safety and regulatory enforcement in the spice industry.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a regulatory action taken by a government body (FSSAI), presenting factual findings from product testing and citing specific non-compliances. There is no evident ideological framing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. The report remains neutral in tone and focuses on the

Why factuality (87): The article provides specific details about the prohibition orders issued by FSSAI against Everest and LG, citing the non-compliance of their hing products with alcohol-soluble extract requirements. It includes percentages from testing results and references previous compliance issues. These details

Why objectivity (92): The article presents the information in a neutral manner, reporting facts without apparent bias or emotional language. It cites the regulatory actions taken by FSSAI and explains the reasons behind them without taking sides or injecting opinion.

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 859/2/2026
FSSAI licence of iconic Hyderabad hotel Shadab suspended over food safety violations

On Wednesday, the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) conducted a special inspection drive across 19 cafes and snack points in Hyderabad. During the operation, two cafes, Dreamz Cafeteria in Bagh Lingampally and Asiatic Cafe in Panjagutta, were shut down for operating without valid FSSAI licenses or registrations. Additionally, the FSSAI license of Hotel Shadab’s Madina Circle branch was suspended due to multiple violations of food safety and hygiene standards, including poor sanitation, improper food storage, expired products, and pest infestations. Officials also confiscated suspected adulterated food items and issued improvement notices to 12 other establishments. Despite the suspension, Hotel Shadab appeared to remain operational later that evening.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on regulatory actions taken by the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs regarding food safety violations. It presents factual findings from inspections, lists affected businesses, and mentions administrative actions such as suspensions and notices. There is

Why factuality (80): The article describes a specific enforcement action in Hyderabad, including the closure of certain establishments and the suspension of an FSSAI licence. It provides detailed findings from inspections and mentions the involvement of both Food Safety Officers and police personnel. This level of speci

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the facts about the inspections and enforcement actions without overtly favoring any particular party. It includes direct quotes from officials and reports on the consequences of non-compliance, keeping the focus on objective reporting.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 60Objective 758/30/2026
Expired Food, Pest Infestation Found At 7 Popular Hyderabad Restaurants

During inspections of seven popular restaurants in Hyderabad, officials discovered multiple violations, including poor hygiene practices, expired food items, non-compliance with food labeling and display regulations, and the presence of pests. These findings indicate potential health and safety risks for customers and highlight concerns regarding adherence to food safety standards at these establishments.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on regulatory enforcement actions by officials against restaurants, which falls under public policy and governance. The content presents factual findings from inspections without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It does not favor any particular political stance or

Why factuality (60): This article discusses food safety issues in Hyderabad but does not mention the Bombay High Court case involving the FDA and the MCA eateries. It lacks direct relevance to the primary source document and introduces unrelated details about different locations and incidents.

Why objectivity (75): The article presents facts neutrally but focuses on a different incident altogether. While it avoids overt bias, it is not aligned with the specific event covered in the primary source document.

The Print logoThe PrintIndependentCenterFactual 0Objective 1008/27/2026
No need for raids, whips in Delhi. Many don’t know the rules, says city FSSAI chief

The article discusses comments made by the chief of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in Delhi, who stated that there is no need for food safety raids or 'whipping' (enforcement actions) in the city. The official emphasized that many people are simply unaware of the regulations governing food safety. This suggests a shift towards education and awareness rather than strict enforcement as the preferred approach to ensuring compliance with food standards.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a statement from an official authority without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It focuses on regulatory enforcement methods and does not include biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing that would indicate a clear ideological lean.

Why factuality (0): This article is unrelated to the event being discussed. It discusses a different topic entirely regarding FSSAI in Delhi, making it irrelevant to the event involving Everest and Laljee Godhoo.

Why objectivity (100): The article is completely neutral since it doesn't address the event in question. However, it is not relevant to the topic at hand.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories