The Food Safety and Standards Authority of <a href="/category/india" class="text-brand font-semibold hover:underline">India</a> (FSSAI) has restricted the sale of certain compounded hing (asafoetida) products manufactured by Everest Food Products Pvt. Ltd. and Lalji Godhoo & Co. after samples failed to meet prescribed quality standards.
The action follows laboratory testing conducted after a consumer complaint raised concerns about the quality of hing products available in the market. FSSAI subsequently collected samples from manufacturing facilities and subjected them to detailed testing.
In Everest’s case, samples of yellow and black compounded hing were found to contain alcohol-soluble extract below the required 5% standard. One sample reportedly showed 0% extract, while yellow and black hing samples recorded 3.29% and 4.4%, respectively.
FSSAI has instructed Everest to submit a corrective action plan and ensure that future production and sale of the affected products comply with food safety requirements. The regulator has indicated that additional action could be taken if the deficiencies are not rectified.
Lalji Godhoo & Co. has also faced regulatory action after samples of its compounded hing powder and solid hing were classified as sub-standard and adulterated. Tests conducted on six varieties of raw hing reportedly detected starch levels between 15% and 32%, significantly exceeding the permitted limit of 1%.
FSSAI has clarified that the current restriction specifically concerns the affected compounded hing products. It does not amount to a ban on Everest’s other masala products. However, previous compliance checks had reportedly identified certain labelling-related irregularities in some Everest products.
Compounded hing is commonly produced by mixing genuine asafoetida with ingredients such as starch, gum and flour. The prescribed alcohol-soluble extract level serves as an important quality parameter for the product.
Consumers are advised to check product labels, packaging details and regulatory information when purchasing packaged hing.