India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has issued prohibition orders against Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd and Laljee Godhoo & Co., barring them from selling their hing (asafoetida) powder after samples were found to be misbranded, adulterated and sub‑standard.
FSSAI said that samples of compounded asafoetida from Everest were tested and found to violate provisions of the FSS (Food Products and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. The alcohol‑soluble extract — a key purity indicator — was 0%, far below the prescribed minimum of 5%. Additional samples of Yellow Hing Powder and Black Hing Powder showed extract levels of 3.29% and 4.4%, confirming they were sub‑standard.
In the case of Laljee Godhoo, FSSAI found both powdered and lump forms of compounded hing to be adulterated and not conforming to mandated standards. Tests revealed excess starch, which must not exceed 1% by weight. The regulator has prohibited the company from selling hing powder and directed it to submit an action plan to rectify malpractices and ensure compliance with the FSS Act, 2006. FSSAI warned that failure to correct violations would invite further action.
The crackdown highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of India’s packaged spice industry, following recent concerns over contamination and misbranding. Hing, widely used in Indian cooking, is expected to meet strict purity norms due to its strong flavour profile and medicinal uses.