The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated prosecution proceedings against three food businesses following laboratory findings and inspections that raised serious concerns about food safety and quality. The cases involve the use of cattle-feed bran in Priyagold biscuits, the detection of detergent and caustic soda in a Dodla Dairy milk sample, and excessive pesticide residues in yellow raisins sold by UEIR Organic Foods.
Announced on 17 October 2026, the enforcement action highlights the importance of food safety regulations, laboratory testing and compliance across India’s food supply chain. FSSAI has also issued separate notices to three additional businesses over hygiene, licensing and operational compliance concerns.
Laboratory Findings Trigger Legal Action
The three primary cases involve different types of alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. According to the regulator, the findings were supported by inspections and laboratory analysis, including referral laboratory examinations following appeals by the concerned businesses.
Priyagold biscuits: FSSAI’s inspection of Surya Food & Agro, the manufacturer of Priyagold biscuits, found that bran marked for cattle feed was being used as a raw material and fibre source in biscuit manufacturing. Officials also identified deficiencies in hygiene, pest control, storage and the segregation of materials. The company had previously faced licence suspension following the reported non-compliances.
Dodla Dairy milk: A full cream milk sample from Dodla Dairy was initially declared substandard because its fat content fell below the prescribed minimum. Following an appeal, a referral laboratory confirmed the presence of detergent and caustic soda, leading to the sample being classified as unsafe as well as substandard. The competent authority subsequently sanctioned prosecution proceedings against the company and other concerned food business operators associated with the product.
UEIR Organic Foods raisins: A sample of yellow raisins sold by UEIR Organic Foods Private Limited was found to contain pesticide residues exceeding permitted limits. Following further laboratory examination, the regulator reported that Thiamethoxam and Fluopyram metabolites exceeded the maximum residue limits, forming the basis for prosecution proceedings.
The initiation of prosecution does not itself establish criminal liability. The allegations and laboratory findings will be addressed through the relevant legal proceedings.
Additional Businesses Face Compliance Notices
Alongside the three product-related cases, FSSAI issued notices to Narpadham Foods, Sun Ridges Health Carers and M/s Sha Kantilal Jayantilal. These cases concern separate issues involving hygiene, licensing, documentation and business operations.
During an inspection of Narpadham Foods, officials reportedly identified deficiencies in sanitation, ventilation, storage arrangements, pest control, equipment maintenance, waste disposal and personnel hygiene. The business was also asked to address concerns regarding packaging certification, supplier records, food-safety training documentation and potentially misleading health or nutrition claims.
The regulator directed the company to provide an explanation and corrective-action reports within the specified period. Failure to demonstrate compliance could lead to further licensing action.
In the case of M/s Sha Kantilal Jayantilal, the licensed premises were found closed during inspection. FSSAI sought clarification regarding the company’s declared retail, wholesale and import activities, requesting supporting records, import clearances and information about the storage and handling of food products.
Sun Ridges Health Carers was also issued a notice, although the available information did not detail the specific findings against the business.
Implications for Food Safety and the Dairy Industry
The action against Dodla Dairy highlights the critical role of milk testing in protecting consumers. Milk quality assessments examine parameters such as fat content and other prescribed standards, while targeted laboratory analysis can identify substances that may compromise safety.
For dairy processors, maintaining effective quality-control systems, traceability, hygienic processing environments and reliable testing procedures is essential. Regular checks on raw materials, processing equipment and finished products can help identify potential problems before products reach consumers.
The cases involving biscuits and raisins also demonstrate that food safety requires oversight across the wider supply chain, from ingredient sourcing and agricultural inputs to manufacturing, storage and distribution.
FSSAI has reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to food safety violations and risks to public health under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The proceedings serve as a reminder that food businesses must comply with applicable safety standards and maintain accurate operational and licensing records.
As the legal and regulatory processes continue, the outcomes will determine the next steps for the businesses concerned. The cases reinforce the importance of independent laboratory testing, transparent enforcement and consistent food-safety practices to maintain consumer confidence in India’s food and dairy sectors.