India’s food safety regulator has initiated prosecution proceedings against Surya Food & Agro, Dodla Dairy and UEIR Organic Foods over serious food safety violations involving biscuits, milk and raisins.
Highlights
- FSSAI found cattle feed bran being used in the manufacturing of Priyagold biscuits.
- Surya Food & Agro faces prosecution over serious food safety and hygiene violations.
- Inspection revealed poor pest control, raw material storage and sanitation practices.
- Dodla Dairy’s full cream milk sample was found unsafe due to detergent and caustic soda.
FSSAI Finds Cattle Feed Bran in Priyagold Biscuits, Initiates Legal Action Against Three Companies
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal proceedings for prosecution against three food companies over serious violations of food safety standards.
The companies include Surya Food & Agro, which manufactures Priyagold biscuits, Dodla Dairy and UEIR Organic Foods.
According to a PTI report published on October 17, 2026, the regulator found cattle feed bran being used as an ingredient in Priyagold biscuits, unsafe substances in a milk sample from Dodla Dairy and pesticide residues in yellow raisins sold by UEIR Organic Foods.
Cattle Feed Bran Found in Priyagold Biscuit Manufacturing
FSSAI conducted an inspection of Surya Food & Agro following a consumer complaint.
During the inspection, officials discovered that bran intended for cattle feed was being used as a source of fibre in the manufacturing of Priyagold biscuits.
The regulator said the raw material was not intended for human consumption.
The gunny bags containing the bran were clearly marked as cattle feed, raising serious concerns about the company’s raw material selection and food safety practices.
Serious Hygiene Violations Found
Apart from the use of cattle feed bran, FSSAI identified several deficiencies at the manufacturing facility.
These included poor plant hygiene, inadequate pest control, improper raw material storage and segregation, and shortcomings in personnel hygiene.
Officials also found problems related to premises maintenance and the handling of intermediate formulations.
FSSAI had previously suspended Surya Food & Agro’s licence after identifying serious non-compliance during the inspection.
The regulator has now initiated legal proceedings for prosecution against the company.
Dodla Dairy Milk Sample Found Unsafe
In a separate case, FSSAI found serious violations involving full cream milk manufactured by Dodla Dairy.
A regulatory sample collected for testing was initially declared substandard because it failed to meet the prescribed milk fat specifications.
Following an appeal by the company, the sample was sent to a Referral Food Laboratory for further analysis.
The laboratory confirmed that the milk sample was unsafe due to the presence of detergent and caustic soda.
It also found that the milk fat content was below the minimum prescribed limit.
Based on these findings, the competent authority granted sanction for prosecution against Dodla Dairy and other concerned food business operators associated with the product.
Pesticide Residues Found in Yellow Raisins
FSSAI also initiated prosecution proceedings against UEIR Organic Foods after pesticide residues were detected in a sample of yellow raisins sold by the company.
The regulator identified the findings as a violation of applicable food safety requirements.
The action forms part of FSSAI’s enforcement measures against food businesses that fail to comply with prescribed safety standards.
FSSAI Steps Up Food Safety Enforcement
In a social media statement on Saturday, FSSAI confirmed that legal proceedings for prosecution had been initiated against the three companies for serious food safety violations.
The cases highlight concerns involving raw material quality, manufacturing hygiene, product contamination and compliance with food safety regulations.
The proceedings will be taken forward under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable regulations.
The regulator’s action underscores the importance of maintaining food safety standards across manufacturing, processing and marketing operations
