A packet of biscuits is one of the most common snacks in Indian homes, which is why the latest action by the country's food regulator has caught so much attention. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the food safety licence of Surya Food and Agro Ltd, the company behind the Priyagold biscuit brand, after inspectors found bran meant for cattle feed being used as a raw material. Days later, on Monday, October 19, neighbouring Nepal banned the import, sale and distribution of Priyagold biscuits.
What FSSAI Found During the Inspection
The action began with a consumer complaint. Following it, FSSAI officials inspected the company's facility and, according to the regulator, found that bran "meant for cattle feed and not intended for human consumption" was being used as a source of fibre in biscuit production. Reports say inspectors came across gunny bags of bran labelled as cattle feed.
The problems did not stop there. FSSAI flagged a long list of other lapses at the unit, covering:
- Plant hygiene and premises maintenance
- Pest control
- Storage and segregation of raw materials
- Personnel hygiene
- Handling of intermediate formulations
Calling the case one of serious non-compliance, the regulator suspended the licence and the competent authority sanctioned prosecution against the company. A prosecution sanction allows legal proceedings to begin; it is not a conviction, and the case will now be decided through the legal process.
Nepal Bans Priyagold Biscuits
Acting on the FSSAI notice, Nepal's Department of Food Technology and Quality Control issued an order on Monday banning the import, sale and distribution of Priyagold biscuits, citing sub-standard quality. Traders and consumers were told to stop selling and distributing the product, and the authorised importer was asked to recall any stock already in the market.
As of the latest reports, Surya Food and Agro had not publicly responded to either action.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Surya Food and Agro Ltd (Priyagold brand) |
| Regulator | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) |
| Action announced | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Main finding | Cattle-feed bran used as fibre source in biscuits |
| Action taken | Licence suspended; prosecution sanctioned |
| Nepal's order | Import, sale and distribution banned (October 19) |
| Nationwide recall in India | Not announced by FSSAI so far |
Part of a Wider FSSAI Crackdown
The Priyagold case was announced alongside action against two other companies. FSSAI said it had started prosecution against Dodla Dairy Ltd after a full-cream milk sample was found to contain detergent or caustic soda and fell short of the prescribed milk-fat standard. It also moved against UEIR Organic Foods after pesticide residues were detected in yellow raisins.
Earlier this month, on October 3, the regulator had declared a low-fat dairy whitener sample "unsafe and substandard" and ordered its sale stopped, though the manufacturer maintained the product was safe and compliant. Taken together, the actions point to a more visible enforcement drive by FSSAI in the festive season, when demand for packaged food and dairy rises sharply.
What It Means for Consumers
Bran itself is a normal ingredient in many high-fibre foods. The concern here is about bran that was sourced and labelled for animal feed, which is not produced or handled to food-grade standards. Feed-grade material is not held to the same quality and hygiene controls as ingredients meant for people.
FSSAI has not identified specific batches or variants, and it has not announced a nationwide recall. Until there is more clarity, here is what shoppers can do:
- Check packaged food for the FSSAI licence number and manufacturer details printed on the pack.
- Avoid products with damaged packaging, an unusual smell or a changed texture.
- Follow official updates from FSSAI rather than forwarded social media messages.
- Report any food quality concern through FSSAI's consumer grievance channels, including the Food Safety Connect app.
What Happens Next
With prosecution sanctioned, the matter will move through the legal process under food safety law. The company can respond to the regulator and seek to address the deficiencies flagged at its plant. Consumers and retailers will be watching for any further FSSAI notice on recall or batch details, and for the company's own explanation.
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