FSSAI Bans Sale of Compounded Hing by Everest Food Products, Laljee Godhoo

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, August 30, 2026: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited the sale of compounded asafoetida (hing) products manufactured by Everest Food Products Private Limited and Laljee Godhoo over alleged violations of food safety standards.

The regulator said on Saturday that prohibition orders were issued against the two companies under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, following surveillance, legal sampling and laboratory tests.

Samples of Everest’s compounded hing products were found to be sub-standard and, in some cases, misbranded. One sample recorded zero per cent alcohol-soluble extract against the prescribed minimum of 5 per cent. Yellow Hing Powder and Black Hing Powder recorded 3.29 per cent and 4.4 per cent, respectively.

FSSAI said similar non-compliance with the prescribed alcoholic extract requirement had been detected in samples collected from various locations. The sale of Everest’s compounded asafoetida and its variants has been prohibited with immediate effect until further orders.

In the case of Laljee Godhoo, samples of compounded hing and asafoetida in powder and lump forms were found to be sub-standard. Raw hing used in manufacturing was also found to contain excessive starch, exceeding the prescribed limit of 1 per cent by weight.

FSSAI said the violations appeared to be widespread based on market surveillance, legal sampling and testing of raw materials.

Both companies have been directed to submit corrective action plans and ensure that only products meeting prescribed standards are manufactured and sold. Further action will be taken if satisfactory compliance is not established.