New Delhi: Patanjali Foods Ltd has recalled four tonnes of its red chilli powder from retail shelves following directives from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), The Economic Times reported.

The recall pertains to a specific batch found non-compliant with food safety standards.

In a statement, Patanjali Foods CEO Sanjeev Asthana confirmed the recall of a "small batch" of 200-gram red chilli powder packs, according to the report.

"Testing revealed the product exceeded the maximum permitted limit for pesticide residue as set by the FSSAI’s Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for food items, including red chilli powder," he explained.

Asthana assured that the company has taken “immediate steps” to notify its distribution partners and issued public notices to reach consumers.

Customers who purchased the product are advised to return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.

This follows a similar controversy last year involving MDH and Everest spices. Samples of their products were alleged to contain traces of ethylene oxide, a pesticide classified as carcinogenic.

Hong Kong had temporarily suspended sales of the affected batches, although subsequent testing cleared the majority of their samples by the FSSAI.