The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated prosecution proceedings against Surya Food & Agro, the manufacturer of Priyagold biscuits, after an inspection reportedly found bran meant for cattle feed being used as a source of fibre in biscuit production. The inspection, triggered by a consumer complaint, also revealed deficiencies in hygiene, pest control and raw material storage. The regulator had previously suspended the company’s licence and has now moved towards legal action.
Two other companies, Dodla Dairy and UEIR Organic Foods, are also facing prosecution over separate food safety violations involving milk and yellow raisins, respectively. The developments, announced by FSSAI on 17 October 2026, have renewed concerns about food quality, manufacturing standards and consumer protection in India.
Cattle Feed Bran Found During Inspection
The action against Surya Food & Agro followed an inspection conducted after a consumer complaint brought the company’s manufacturing practices under scrutiny. According to FSSAI, officials found bran intended for cattle consumption being used as a raw material in Priyagold biscuit manufacturing to provide fibre. The gunny bags containing the bran were reportedly marked to indicate that the material was intended for animal feed, raising serious questions about the company’s handling and selection of ingredients for products meant for human consumption.
In a statement shared on social media, FSSAI said, “Bran meant for cattle feed and not intended for human consumption was found being used as a raw material in Priyagold biscuit manufacturing as a source of fibre.” The inspection also identified shortcomings in factory hygiene, pest control, raw material storage and segregation, personnel hygiene, maintenance of the premises and the handling of intermediate formulations. Following these findings, the regulator had suspended the company’s licence over serious non-compliance with food safety requirements. The latest development is the initiation of prosecution proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Two Other Companies Face Prosecution
The regulator’s action extends beyond the biscuit manufacturer. Dodla Dairy Limited is facing prosecution after a sample of its full cream milk was found to be substandard because its fat content fell below the prescribed minimum. Following an appeal by the company, the sample was sent to a Referral Food Laboratory for further testing. The laboratory confirmed that the sample was unsafe due to the presence of detergent or caustic soda and was also substandard because of insufficient milk fat. The findings established violations relating to unsafe and substandard food under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, prompting approval for further prosecution proceedings against the dairy and other food businesses associated with the product.
In a separate case, UEIR Organic Foods Private Limited is facing legal action after pesticide residues were detected in a sample of yellow raisins sold by the company. The three cases involve different food safety concerns, ranging from the use of an ingredient designated for animal feed to unsafe milk and pesticide contamination in dried fruit. FSSAI announced that it had initiated legal proceedings against all three companies for serious violations of food safety rules. The proceedings represent regulatory action based on inspections and laboratory findings; the allegations and findings must be dealt with through the applicable legal process.
Why Food Safety Enforcement Matters
The cases highlight the role of food safety authorities in monitoring products sold to millions of consumers. Under India’s Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, food businesses are expected to comply with prescribed safety and quality requirements. Consumer complaints, factory inspections and laboratory testing are important tools for identifying potential violations before they expose more people to unsafe products. In this instance, the action against Surya Food & Agro also points to the importance of maintaining proper records, segregating raw materials and ensuring that ingredients used in food manufacturing are suitable for human consumption.
However, regulatory action must be accompanied by transparent communication about the findings, the legal proceedings and any corrective measures taken by the companies concerned. Consumers should have access to reliable information to make informed choices, while businesses must be given due process under the law. The reported findings do not establish that every product sold by the companies is unsafe, but they underline the need for effective quality checks throughout the food supply chain.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Food safety is not merely a matter of regulatory compliance; it is a question of public trust and responsibility. People rely on food manufacturers to ensure that the products they purchase for themselves and their families meet basic standards of safety and quality. When inspections uncover serious deficiencies, authorities must act promptly, investigate thoroughly and communicate their findings clearly. At the same time, companies should cooperate with regulators, address shortcomings and demonstrate accountability through verifiable corrective measures.
A fair and transparent enforcement system can help protect consumers without compromising due process. Ultimately, safe food requires shared responsibility among manufacturers, regulators, retailers and consumers. Do you think stricter inspections and greater transparency can help rebuild public trust in packaged food products? Share your views in the comments.
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