India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has asked the company Patanjali Foods, led by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, to recall a batch of red chilli powder due to non-compliance with food safety norms. The recall was ordered on January 13, but the FSSAI did not issue a public alert to inform consumers about the recall. The company has started recalling the product, which was found to have high levels of pesticide residue beyond the permissible limit.
The FSSAI is responsible for ensuring food safety and enforcing rules. However, experts and consumer rights activists are concerned that the regulator’s guidelines do not require public disclosure of recall details, leaving consumers in the dark. This lack of transparency can put public health at risk.
According to statistics, in the 2023-24 financial year, 25% of food samples tested were found to be non-conforming, and the FSSAI has the power to impose penalties and imprisonment for non-compliance. However, the onus of recalling products lies with manufacturers, and there is no requirement for public disclosure of recalls.
Experts argue that this lack of transparency is a major regulatory gap, as similar practices are not followed in developed countries. Food safety experts and consumer rights activists have urged the FSSAI to strengthen recall guidelines and introduce measures to “name and shame” companies that violate food safety standards.
The issue has raised concerns about the already sold red chilli powder, with experts questioning what happens to the product and whether consumers have the right to know the extent and nature of the food safety violation. The recall highlights the need for greater transparency in food safety regulations and the FSSAI’s role in ensuring public health.