Indian Spices Under Scrutiny After Ethylene Oxide Detection in Hong Kong
The Spices Board of India, responsible for overseeing quality standards, has reportedly asked two major Indian spice brands, MDH and Everest, to provide explanations regarding their testing procedures and compliance with regulations after the detection of ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, in samples of their products in Hong Kong. The board’s inquiry follows Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety ordering the recall of four pre-packaged spice mix products from India, including Everest’s fish curry masala and MDH’s Madras curry powder, due to the presence of ethylene oxide. The substance is banned in the sale of food in Hong Kong, and offenders face significant fines and imprisonment upon conviction.
In response to Hong Kong’s move, the Singapore Food Agency also ordered the recall of an Everest product in Singapore. While the substance is not authorized for use in food in Singapore, it is permitted for the sterilization of spices. The agency advised against consuming the affected product and urged consumers with concerns to seek medical advice.
Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting, chairman of Hong Kong’s Food Safety Consortium, explained that ethylene oxide is commonly used for sterilization in food production and processing. However, he emphasized that the substance should be eliminated before packaging. Lau expressed concern that the manufacturers may not have adhered to appropriate disinfection standards.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has commenced collecting samples of spices in powder form from various brands across the country, including MDH and Everest, to ascertain their compliance with relevant standards. MDH has yet to comment on the matter, while Everest has stated that its spices are safe for consumption and are exported only after approval from the Spices Board of India.
This incident highlights the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food industry to ensure consumer safety. It also underscores the need for effective collaboration and information exchange among regulatory authorities across jurisdictions to prevent the distribution and consumption of contaminated products.
