The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an order banning the sale of composite turmeric from two major brands—Everest and Lalji Godho. This decision was made after samples of turmeric from both companies were found to be below established standards.
The agency clarified that this ban applies exclusively to turmeric products, and no restrictions have been placed on other goods from these companies, such as chicken marinade, curry, or spice mixes. The inspection was initiated following a consumer complaint, after which FSSAI began checking all types of turmeric available in the market.
The situation began with a client's inquiry regarding the quality of turmeric from a specific brand. Subsequently, FSSAI commenced inspections of all major turmeric brands currently on sale. Initial laboratory reports indicated that the composite turmeric from Everest and Lalji Godho did not meet the prescribed norms.
Samples were collected from the centralized units of these companies located in Mumbai and sent for analysis. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Gujarat State Food Department, samples were taken from one of Everest's units in Umbargao, Gujarat. Low quality was detected in all tested samples.
According to regulations, when manufacturing composite turmeric, natural turmeric is mixed with glue, starch, and flour, but it must contain no less than 5 percent alcohol-soluble extract. It was found that in the products of these companies, this concentration was only between 0 and 3 percent, meaning that real turmeric was used at a volume approximately 30–40 percent less than required by the standard.
Moreover, six varieties of natural turmeric taken from the Lalji Godho unit were tested. According to the regulations, the starch content in natural turmeric should not exceed one percent; however, during the inspection, the starch content in these six varieties ranged from 15 to 32 percent, significantly exceeding the permissible limit.
Given these serious violations, FSSAI issued an order suspending the sales of both companies' products. A nationwide ban has been imposed on Everest and Lalji Godho turmeric. This step is a preventive measure to ensure consumer health. Both companies have also been instructed to provide information on how they intend to correct their mistakes and ensure future turmeric production complies with standards. The companies have also been advised to voluntarily recall the substandard turmeric from the market.