FSSAI to prosecute Priyagold maker Surya Food over cattle feed bran in biscuits

India's food safety regulator has initiated prosecution against Surya Food & Agro, the manufacturer of Priyagold biscuits, after inspections revealed that bran intended strictly for cattle feed was being used as a raw material in products made for human consumption.

The legal proceedings brought by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) highlight an ongoing drive by national authorities to enforce strict standards and ensure consumer protection across the food supply chain. Alongside the case against Surya Food, the regulator has launched prosecution against two other suppliers for contaminated dairy and pesticide-laden produce, while simultaneously proposing new rules to eliminate added sugars from infant food.

How inspectors caught Priyagold using cattle feed

The case against Surya Food & Agro began after consumer complaints prompted FSSAI inspectors to execute an unannounced check on the company's processing plant.

During the raid, officials discovered gunny bags clearly marked as feed meant for cattle consumption. The contents were being incorporated into Priyagold biscuits as an added source of dietary fibre. Inspectors also cited widespread sanitary failures at the facility, including poor plant hygiene, lack of pest control, improper raw material storage, and unsafe handling of intermediate ingredients.

The FSSAI initially suspended Surya Food's manufacturing licence following the inspection and has now authorised full prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Crackdown on substandard milk and organic produce

Surya Food is not the only company facing court action. The FSSAI confirmed prosecution proceedings against Dodla Dairy after regulatory testing showed its full cream milk failed quality standards. A Referral Food Laboratory test found the milk sample to be unsafe due to the presence of detergent and caustic soda, while also failing to meet the minimum required milk fat content.

In a separate enforcement action, organic food seller UEIR Organic Foods faces court proceedings after laboratory tests detected pesticide residues in sample batches of its yellow raisins.

Restrictions on added sugars in infant food

Beyond individual corporate prosecutions, the regulator is moving to tighten health standards across the wider food industry. Under draft regulations published in the Gazette of India, the FSSAI has proposed a complete ban on adding sucrose and fructose to food products manufactured for infants up to six months of age.

The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, aim to shield infants during a crucial developmental stage. Existing rules permit sucrose and fructose within set limits, but government officials noted that early exposure to added sugars poses long-term risks for childhood obesity and unhealthy dietary habits.

Stakeholders and the public have 60 days to submit feedback on the proposed amendment before the new limits are finalised and brought into force.