In a swift move to safeguard public health, the Indian government has ordered food commissioners to collect spice samples from all manufacturing units nationwide. This action follows concerns raised by food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore regarding the presence of ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, in products from renowned spice brands MDH and Everest.
According to government sources, all food commissioners have been alerted and the sample collection process has commenced. They anticipate gathering samples from all spice production facilities within the next three to four days. The sources confirmed that samples will be taken not only from MDH and Everest but from all spice manufacturing companies.
The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) had earlier warned against using four products from MDH and Everest due to ethylene oxide levels exceeding the permissible limit. These products included Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala, Curry Powder from MDH, and Fish Curry Masala from Everest. Hong Kong authorities instructed vendors to cease sales and remove the affected products from shelves.
Similarly, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a recall order for Everest’s Fish Curry Masala after detecting excessive levels of ethylene oxide. The importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte. Ltd., has been directed to recall the products.
The Indian government has emphasized that there is a ban on using ethylene oxide in food items in India. Any detection of harmful substances in spices will result in strict action, including possible criminal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has been requested to actively spread awareness about the prohibition of harmful additives in spice products. The board has acknowledged the issue and is investigating the matter.
Despite the recent incidents in Hong Kong and Singapore, government sources maintain that regular testing of spices has been ongoing, and to date, no harmful elements have been found in spices available in the Indian market. They assured that the current sample collection drive will be more extensive and rapid.
Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas used as a disinfectant, fumigant, and insecticide. It is primarily employed to sterilize medical equipment and reduce microbial contamination in spices. Natural sources produce ethylene oxide, but it can also be generated from waterlogged soil, manure, and sewage sludge.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies ethylene oxide as a ‘Group 1 carcinogen,’ indicating sufficient evidence of its ability to cause cancer in humans. Short-term exposure can affect the central nervous system, leading to depression and irritation, while prolonged exposure can harm the brain, nervous system, eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.
