The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated prosecution proceedings against Surya Food & Agro Ltd, the manufacturer of Priyagold biscuits, after an inspection reportedly found bran intended for cattle feed being used as a source of fibre in biscuit production. The regulator also identified several hygiene and manufacturing-related shortcomings at the facility.
The allegations raise important questions about ingredient standards, food manufacturing practices and the safeguards designed to protect consumers. However, the precise ingredients involved, the company’s response and the regulatory findings need to be established before drawing conclusions about the safety of the products concerned.
Consumer Complaint Triggers FSSAI Investigation
According to reports, the investigation began after a consumer complaint prompted the food safety regulator to inspect the manufacturing facility operated by Surya Food & Agro.
During the inspection, officials reportedly discovered bran intended for cattle consumption being used as a raw material in the production of Priyagold biscuits. The material was reportedly stored in gunny bags marked for cattle feed, raising concerns about the suitability and handling of ingredients intended for human consumption.
FSSAI identified the use of this material as a serious violation of food safety requirements. The authority subsequently moved to initiate prosecution proceedings against the company.
The findings have drawn attention to the importance of ingredient sourcing, raw material verification and compliance with established food manufacturing standards. Food manufacturers are expected to ensure that the ingredients used in their products meet the applicable requirements for human consumption.
The regulator had earlier suspended Surya Food & Agro’s licence following the serious non-compliances identified during its inspection. The latest legal action represents a further step in the enforcement process.
Serious Hygiene and Manufacturing Lapses Identified
The inspection reportedly uncovered additional shortcomings beyond the use of cattle-feed bran. These included deficiencies in factory hygiene, pest control, raw material storage and segregation, personnel hygiene and maintenance of the manufacturing premises.
Officials also flagged concerns relating to the handling of intermediate formulations used during production.
Such deficiencies can undermine the controls necessary to maintain consistent food quality and prevent contamination during manufacturing. Proper segregation of raw materials is particularly important to ensure that ingredients intended for different purposes are not mistakenly or improperly introduced into food products.
The findings have renewed attention on the responsibility of food businesses to maintain adequate sanitation, implement effective quality-control systems and follow the requirements of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The case also underlines the role of consumer complaints in identifying potential violations and prompting regulatory inspections.
FSSAI Takes Action Against Two Other Food Companies
The action against the Priyagold biscuit manufacturer forms part of a wider enforcement drive involving other food businesses.
According to reports, FSSAI has also initiated prosecution proceedings against Dodla Dairy Ltd and UEIR Organic Foods Pvt Ltd over separate food safety violations.
In the Dodla Dairy case, a regulatory sample of full cream milk was initially declared substandard because it failed to meet the prescribed milk-fat requirements.
Following an appeal by the company, the sample was examined by a referral laboratory. The laboratory reportedly found detergent or caustic soda in the milk and confirmed that its fat content was below the prescribed minimum.
The findings led the regulator to classify the sample as both unsafe and substandard, prompting further legal action under applicable food safety legislation.
In another case, UEIR Organic Foods came under regulatory scrutiny after pesticide residues were detected in a sample of yellow raisins sold by the company. Reports indicated that laboratory findings confirmed violations involving pesticide residues beyond permitted limits.
These separate cases demonstrate the range of concerns facing food safety authorities, from inappropriate raw materials and manufacturing hygiene to chemical contamination and compliance with prescribed food standards.
What the Action Means for Consumers
The developments have raised questions about the systems used to monitor packaged foods and protect consumers against potential violations.
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Biscuits, milk and dried fruits are widely consumed across Indian households. Consumers generally rely on food manufacturers to ensure that products meet applicable safety standards and are produced under appropriate hygienic conditions.
Regulatory inspections, laboratory testing and enforcement proceedings are therefore important mechanisms for identifying non-compliance and holding food businesses accountable.
At the same time, consumers should distinguish between the findings in individual cases and the safety of every product sold under a particular brand. The reported findings concern specific inspections, samples and manufacturing practices; they should not automatically be interpreted as proof that every product from a company is unsafe.
Consumers can check packaging details, manufacturing information and applicable food safety declarations. Suspected violations can also be reported to the relevant food safety authorities.
Food Safety Enforcement Under the Spotlight
The proceedings against Surya Food & Agro and the other companies highlight the importance of strict compliance with food safety regulations. They also reinforce the need for manufacturers to maintain transparent ingredient sourcing, effective quality assurance and appropriate hygiene standards.
For the Priyagold biscuit manufacturer, the immediate issue centres on the regulator’s findings concerning cattle-feed bran and the reported manufacturing deficiencies. The prosecution process will determine the legal consequences arising from the alleged violations.
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