Full Breakdown
FSSAI Initiates Prosecution of Three Food Companies Over Serious Safety Violations
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 17 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced that it had initiated legal proceedings for prosecution against three food business operators: Surya Food & Agro Ltd. (Priyagold biscuits), Dodla Dairy Ltd., and UEIR Organic Foods Pvt. Ltd.. Inspections and laboratory analyses uncovered:
- Cattle-feed bran used as a fibre source in Priyagold biscuits.
- Detergent/caustic soda in a full-cream milk sample from Dodla Dairy, with milk-fat below the prescribed minimum.
- Pesticide residues (thiamethoxam and fluopyram metabolites) exceeding limits in yellow raisins sold by UEIR Organic Foods.
The violations are deemed “unsafe and substandard” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, prompting prosecution sanctions for each firm.
Background & Context
Separate consumer complaints triggered inspections. Surya Food & Agro was found to use animal-feed bran and had deficiencies in hygiene and storage. Dodla Dairy’s milk, initially flagged for low milk-fat, was later confirmed to contain detergent/caustic soda. UEIR Organic Foods’ routine sampling identified pesticide residues above permissible levels.
Key Figures & Groups
- Surya Food & Agro Ltd. – Manufacturer of Priyagold biscuits.
- Dodla Dairy Ltd. – Producer of full-cream milk.
- UEIR Organic Foods Pvt. Ltd. – Supplier of yellow raisins.
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) – Apex regulator.
- Pawan Khera – Member of Parliament (Congress) who questioned the regulator’s oversight.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 17 2026 | FSSAI posts that it has initiated prosecution against the three firms. |
| Prior to October 2026 | Consumer complaint leads to inspection of Surya Food & Agro; licence previously suspended. |
| Prior to October 2026 | Sample of Dodla Dairy milk collected; referral laboratory confirms detergent presence. |
| Prior to October 2026 | Lab test of UEIR Organic Foods’ raisins detects excess pesticide residues. |
Data & Statistics
- Priyagold biscuits – Bran meant for cattle feed used as fibre.
- Dodla Dairy milk – Detergent/caustic soda detected; milk-fat below minimum.
- UEIR Organic Foods raisins – Nine pesticide residues; thiamethoxam and fluopyram metabolites exceeded limits.
Official Statements & Responses
FSSAI called the findings “serious food safety violations” and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance under the 2006 Act. Surya Food & Agro’s licence remains suspended. Dodla Dairy and UEIR Organic Foods received formal notices to submit compliance reports, with further licence action possible for non-compliance.
Criticism & Opposition
Congress MP Pawan Khera asked why the violations were not detected earlier, suggesting the enforcement came only after consumer harm.
Verbatim Quotes
- “How long was this going on?” — Pawan Khera