Anantnag, May 6: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Anantnag has banned the sale of a batch of “Tops” Soya Sauce in the district after laboratory analysis declared the product unsafe for consumption due to excessive preservative content.

According to an order issued by the Office of the Assistant Commissioner and Designated Officer, Food Safety Anantnag, a sample of “Soya Sauce” under the brand name Tops, bearing Lot No. 6A1617AK, was collected from the market by the Food Safety Officer Qazigund for testing.
The sample was subsequently analyzed at the National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad, which, in its report dated April 20, 2026, found that the product contained sorbic acid beyond the maximum prescribed limit.
Officials said the excessive presence of sorbic acid rendered the product unsafe for human consumption under food safety standards.
The product is manufactured by G.D. Foods Manufacturing India Private Limited at Tarn Taran in Punjab and marketed from Janak Puri, New Delhi.
Citing public health concerns and powers vested under Section 36(3)(b) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Designated Officer Sheikh Zameer Ahmad ordered an immediate prohibition on the sale of the said batch within Anantnag district until further orders.
Authorities have advised traders and consumers to avoid the specified batch of the product pending further directions.