In response to the ban on certain MDH and Everest masala varieties in Singapore and Hong Kong due to quality concerns, the Indian Ministry of Commerce has requested detailed information from the food safety regulators in both countries. The ministry has instructed Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong to submit detailed reports on the ban’s underlying cause.
The ministry has also requested information from MDH and Everest, the manufacturers of the banned products. The ministry aims to determine the root cause of the rejection and implement corrective actions in collaboration with the exporters concerned.
The Singapore Food Agency and the Centre for Food Safety and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in Hong Kong have alleged that four spice-mix products from MDH and Everest contained ethylene oxide levels exceeding permissible limits.
According to an official cited by a news agency, the commerce ministry is requesting technical details, analytical reports, and information about the exporters whose consignments were rejected. The ministry anticipates an industry consultation to discuss the mandatory testing of ethylene oxide in spice shipments to Singapore and Hong Kong.
As the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, India’s Spices Board is also examining the ban. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, India exported spices worth nearly 32,000 crore, with chili, cumin, turmeric, and cardamom being major exports.
The food safety regulator in Hong Kong has advised consumers not to purchase the banned products, and traders have been instructed not to sell them. The Singapore Food Agency has ordered a recall of the affected products.
The Indian government is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of its food exports and is working closely with Singapore and Hong Kong to address the concerns raised by their food safety regulators.
