NEW DELHI – In a sweeping food‑safety drive that has targeted everything from fast‑food chains to multinational beverage makers, India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) issued a stop‑order on Friday to CG Foods India, a Rajasthan‑based factory owned by Nepal’s billionaire Binod Chaudhary, often called the “Noodle King.”
Unhygienic practices uncovered
Inspectors focused on two popular Wai Wai‑branded bhujia products – a fried snack sold in tiny packets across the country. The investigation revealed that the plant was re‑processing broken noodles that had been collected from the factory floor, without any heat treatment, and incorporating them into the bhujia mix. The FSSAI described the practice as “floor‑collected, broken noodles” being used in food production, a clear breach of hygiene standards.
Regulatory response
Following the findings, the authority seized 32,000 kg of stock and 1,925 boxes of expired finished goods from the facility. It also announced that “strict legal proceedings” have been initiated against the food business operator. Samples have been taken for further laboratory testing.
Company’s reaction
CG Foods India issued a statement saying it is fully cooperating with the regulator and remains “committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and compliance.” The company’s response underscores a willingness to address the issue, but the immediate impact is the removal of the two bhujia products from shelves until corrective actions are verified.
Broader crackdown
This action is part of an unprecedented nationwide effort by Indian officials to enforce food‑safety, hygiene, and labeling rules. The campaign has already seen high‑profile inspections of major eateries such as Domino’s and Pizza Hut, as well as liquor giant Diageo. Earlier in the week, authorities raided an illegal operation in Mumbai that falsified expiry dates and nutritional information on products from PepsiCo, Nestlé and other manufacturers for export.
Implications for consumers and businesses
For Indian shoppers, the crackdown reinforces the importance of rigorous food‑safety oversight and may restore confidence in packaged snack products. For manufacturers, it serves as a stark reminder that shortcuts in hygiene can trigger swift regulatory action, potentially affecting market access and brand reputation.
While the incident centers on a Nepali‑owned company, the FSSAI’s decisive response highlights India’s commitment to protecting public health through strict enforcement of food‑safety standards.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
