On 19 October 2026, Nepal banned the import, sale and distribution of Priyagold biscuits manufactured by India’s Surya Food & Agro Ltd. Nepal’s Food Technology and Quality Control Department described the biscuits as sub-standard and directed authorised importers and food traders to recall existing stocks. The action followed food safety proceedings and a notice by India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Nepal’s restriction and recall direction
The Food Technology and Quality Control Department issued its notice after an emergency meeting convened in view of human health security and consumer welfare. It asked concerned bodies, traders and consumers to stop further imports, sales and distribution of the biscuits. Authorised importers and food traders were directed to immediately recall available stocks from the market.
The department’s action applies to Priyagold biscuits manufactured by Surya Food & Agro Ltd. The stated basis for the restriction was the notice published by FSSAI.
FSSAI proceedings and inspection findings
FSSAI initiated legal proceedings for prosecution against Surya Food & Agro Ltd over alleged food safety violations, including the use of cattle-feed bran as a source of fibre in the biscuits. An inspection of the company’s facilities found deficiencies involving food safety and hygiene, plant sanitation, pest control and raw-material storage. FSSAI had also suspended the company’s manufacturing licence following the reported non-compliances.
FSSAI is India’s statutory food regulator under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Act provides the legal framework for regulating food safety and standards in India. The proceedings against the manufacturer are separate from Nepal’s import, sale and distribution restrictions.
Food safety regulation across borders
Food regulators set standards and oversee compliance within their jurisdictions. Nepal’s Food Technology and Quality Control Department took the market restriction decision in Nepal, while FSSAI’s action concerned the Indian manufacturer and its manufacturing licence. The case involves both domestic enforcement and a neighbouring country’s controls on imported food.
Important Facts for Exams
- FSSAI is established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- FSSAI is India’s statutory authority for food safety and standards.
- Nepal’s Food Technology and Quality Control Department issued the restriction on 19 October 2026.
- The Nepalese notice covered import, sale and distribution, and directed recall of available stocks.
Nepal’s restriction targeted Priyagold biscuits manufactured by Surya Food & Agro Ltd. FSSAI’s proceedings concerned alleged manufacturing and hygiene violations in India.
