The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal prosecution proceedings against three major food manufacturers -Surya Food & Agro (maker of Priyagold biscuits), Dodla Dairy, and UEIR Organic Foods following the discovery of hazardous non-compliance and health hazards in their products.
The action against Surya Food & Agro was triggered by a consumer complaint, leading to an inspection of its manufacturing facility. Inspecting officers discovered that gunny bags clearly labeled as “cattle feed bran”- intended strictly for livestock consumption were being used as a fiber source in Priyagold biscuits. The regulator also cited severe plant hygiene failures, inadequate pest control, improper raw material storage, and poor personnel sanitation. FSSAI had previously suspended the company’s license and has now moved forward with criminal prosecution.
In a separate enforcement action, a regulatory sample of Dodla Dairy’s ‘Full Cream Milk’ was tested after failing to meet baseline milk fat standards. Upon an appeal by the company, a referral laboratory confirmed that the milk was not only substandard but explicitly “unsafe” due to the presence of detergent and caustic soda. Authorities have granted formal sanctions to prosecute Dodla Dairy alongside associated manufacturing and marketing entities under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Additionally, legal proceedings were launched against UEIR Organic Foods after regulatory sampling detected harmful pesticide residues in its yellow raisins.
The regulator reiterated that strict legal measures will continue against any food business operators compromising public health standards.
