Use of animal feed in Priyagold biscuits revealed; Nepal imposes a ban on their import and sale.
New Delhi/Kathmandu. A big controversy related to food safety has come to light regarding India’s famous biscuit brand Priyagold. Nepal government has taken a big decision after the case of use of bran used as animal fodder in making biscuits came to light. Nepal has banned the import, sale and distribution of Priyagold biscuits manufactured by Indian company Surya Food and Agro Limited. Along with this, instructions have also been issued to recall the packets of biscuits already available in the market. The Nepal government has taken this step after the action of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This development has raised serious questions regarding the quality of food items and consumer safety.
Nepal government took the decision after emergency meeting
Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control issued a ban notice on Priyagold Biscuit on 19 October 2026.
An emergency online meeting of officials was called on the initiative of the department’s Director General Sanjeev Kumar Karna. In this, the actions taken in India and facts related to food security were discussed.
After the meeting, the officials decided to ban the import, sale and distribution of Priyagold biscuits with immediate effect, keeping in mind the health safety of the consumers.
The Government of Nepal has directed importers, traders and concerned agencies not to import and distribute these products until further notice.
Serious flaws came to light during investigation in India
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has initiated action against Priagold Biscuit manufacturing company Surya Food and Agro Limited.
During the investigation, several serious deficiencies related to food safety and hygiene have been revealed in the company’s manufacturing unit.
According to reports, bran, which was destined for animal feed, was being used as a source of fiber in making the biscuits.
During inspection, the bags of the raw material concerned were found to be meant for animal feed and not fit for human consumption.
On this basis, the food safety regulator initiated legal action against the company.
Company’s food license also suspended
Considering the seriousness of the matter, FSSAI has suspended the concerned food license of Surya Food and Agro Limited.
During the inspection, deficiencies related to cleanliness, pest control, storage of raw materials and personal hygiene of the employees were also revealed in the factory.
Under food safety rules, it is necessary for any manufacturer to ensure that the ingredients used in food items are suitable for human consumption.
The process of legal prosecution has been initiated by the regulator. However, the final legal conclusion on the action and allegations will emerge only after the completion of the relevant process.
Instructions to recall all batches from the market
The Nepal government has not limited its action to just banning new imports. Officials have also ordered to recall the stock of Priyagold biscuits present in the market.
This instruction is applicable to products of all production dates and batch numbers.
The Food Department has directed authorized importers, wholesalers and shopkeepers to stop the sale of biscuits immediately.
Arrangements have been made to safely destroy the products withdrawn from the market under the supervision of concerned administrative officials and representatives of the Food Department.
A warning has also been given of action under Nepal’s Food Hygiene and Quality Act against those violating the order.
Increased concern about consumer health
Priyagold is one of the well-known biscuit brands in India. Its various products have been available in the market for a long time.
Biscuits are popular food items among everyone from children to the elderly. In such a situation, it is natural for consumers’ concern to increase when cases of violation of food safety standards come to light.
According to food experts, the use of raw materials meant for animal feed in products for human consumption without conforming to the required food-quality standards is a serious matter.
However, in this case it is important to clarify that the action taken pertains specifically to the suitability of the raw material and manufacturing defects. It should not be concluded that every person who eats the biscuits in question has suffered health harm.
FSSAI action against three companies
Apart from the Priyagold manufacturer, FSSAI has also initiated action against two other food companies.
These include Dodla Dairy Limited and UEIR Organic Foods Private Limited.
According to reports, samples related to milk from Dodla Dairy have revealed violation of quality and safety standards.
At the same time, it has been reported that pesticide residues in yellow raisins of UEIR Organic Foods were found to be more than the prescribed limit.
In these cases, the regulator has initiated the process of legal action against the companies concerned.
India and Nepal’s trade may also be affected
Various types of food items are exported from India to Nepal. These include packaged food items, biscuits and other daily use items.
In such a situation, due to the ban on Priyagold biscuits, importers and distributors will have to make changes in their stock and supply arrangements.
Nepal government’s decision also