Global coffee chain Starbucks, which operates its cafes in India in partnership with Tatas, has been blacklisted by Central food safety regulator FSSAI after risk assessment, while Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has decided to recall its Chinese range of ‘Knorr’ instant noodles from the market, pending product approval from FSSAI.
Starbucks, without affecting its operations despite the ban, said it is “diligently working with FSSAI” to provide information regarding pending applications. The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had rejected applications submitted by Tata Starbucks for a total of 32 products in April.
These rejected products include coffee frappucino, vanilla syrup and hazelnut flavoured syrups, which are still sold at the cafe chain’s outlet in the heart of the capital. When asked for comments, Tata Starbucks CEO Avani Davda said, “We are diligently working with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to provide the technical information relating to our pending applications that they have requested.”
The FSSAI list also includes Special K Red Berries cereal from Kellogg’s, ready-to-eat chicken items from Venky’s etc. When contacted Kellogg India spokesperson said, “This product has not been launched in Indian market and will be available only once the approval is received from the authority.”
HUL, on the other hand, said it had submitted an application with FSSAI for product approval for the Knorr Chinese range of instant noodles in February 2015 and the same was pending approval.
These guys need to go after the raw vegetable, fruit and cereal markets more aggressively than packed foods.