SRINAGAR: The Food Safety Department in Bandipora has prohibited the sale of Bansal turmeric powder, batch number HP-37, across the district after laboratory testing found the presence of Metanil Yellow, a colouring agent not permitted under food safety regulations.
The order, issued on October 21 by Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh, Designated Officer for Food Safety, Bandipora, directs retailers, wholesalers, distributors and other food business operators to immediately stop the sale, storage and distribution of the affected product until further orders.
According to the order, a sample of the turmeric powder was collected from the market by the Food Safety Officer, Hajin. The Food Analyst at the FICCI Research and Analysis Centre, New Delhi, declared the sample unsafe in report number FRAC/F/2609100040, dated September 25, 2026, citing the presence of Metanil Yellow.
The product was manufactured and packed by Shri Balaji Masala, located at 12/44, Lalita Park, Lakshmi Nagar, Delhi-92, under FSSAI licence number 13315003000307.
The department said the presence of the unauthorised colouring agent could pose a health risk to consumers. The sample was classified as unsafe under Section 3(1)(zz) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The order further directs that any stock of the affected batch found in the market be seized under Section 38 of the Act and disposed of in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017.
The manufacturer and packer have also been directed to initiate a recall of the affected batch and submit a compliance report to the designated officer.
The order warns that violations will attract penal action under Section 59 and other applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
