Nepal has banned the import, sale, and distribution of Priyagold biscuits manufactured by India's Surya Food and Agro Ltd, following food safety violations flagged by India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI). The ban was announced on Monday by Nepal's Food Technology and Quality Control Department (FTQCD), which described the product as sub-standard and urged traders and consumers to halt sales immediately, according to livemint.com.
The FTQCD's decision came after FSSAI initiated legal proceedings against Surya Food and Agro for using cattle feed bran in the production of Priyagold biscuits and other serious violations. During an inspection, FSSAI found significant food safety and hygiene deficiencies, leading to the suspension of Surya Food and Agro's license. Nepal's FTQCD held an emergency meeting led by Director General Sanjeev Kumar Karna to address consumer protection and human health concerns before issuing the ban, per livemint.com.
This move highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on food safety standards in cross-border trade between India and Nepal. The ban follows FSSAI's crackdown on sub-standard products within India, signaling stricter enforcement that impacts exports. Surya Food and Agro's case is notable as it involves allegations of using non-food-grade materials, which can undermine consumer trust and affect market access. The recall order in Nepal underscores the importance of compliance for Indian food exporters in maintaining regional trade relations, according to livemint.com.
Nepal's FTQCD has directed all authorized importers and food traders to immediately recall Priyagold biscuits from the market. The ban aims to protect consumer welfare and human health security, with the FTQCD warning against any further import or sale of the product in Nepal, as detailed in the official notice reported by livemint.com.