The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) has emphasized the safety of spices treated with ethylene oxide (ETO) after concerns raised by Hong Kong and Singapore. These agencies had detected elevated levels of ETO in spices from Indian brands MDH and Everest Food Products, prompting action against their products. However, ASTA maintains that ETO is an approved fumigant in the U.S. and consumption of treated spices is safe.
India, as the world’s leading producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, has requested information from food safety regulators in Singapore and Korea regarding the ban imposed on specific spices from Indian brands MDH and Everest due to quality concerns. The commerce ministry has instructed Indian embassies in both countries to submit detailed reports on the matter. Additionally, the ministry is seeking clarification from MDH and Everest regarding the alleged presence of pesticide ‘ethylene oxide’ beyond permissible limits in their banned products.
Two major Indian spice brands, MDH and Everest, are facing scrutiny after the detection of ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, in samples of their products in Hong Kong. The Spices Board of India has asked the companies to explain their testing procedures and compliance with regulations. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has also begun collecting samples of spices from various brands across the country for testing. This development follows the recall of four pre-packaged spice mix products from India in Hong Kong due to the presence of ethylene oxide, a substance banned in the sale of food in the region. The Singapore Food Agency has also ordered the recall of an Everest product in Singapore as the substance is not authorized for use in food but is allowed for the sterilization of spices.
Following concerns raised by Singapore and Hong Kong, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered the collection of spice samples from all brands for quality testing. The move comes after authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore expressed concerns about the quality of certain Indian spices, including products from MDH and Everest.
The Central government has ordered food safety commissioners in all states to sample and test spices from all brands after Singapore and Hong Kong banned products from MDH and Everest due to excessive levels of a cancer-causing agent. Samples will be collected from manufacturing units within four days, and a quality report is expected in 20 days.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plans to sample major spice and infant nutrition brands in India in response to reports of alleged food violations involving pesticide and added sugar content.
Following Hong Kong’s ban on MDH and Everest spice brands due to the presence of carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered quality checks on their products. The inspections will test for the presence of ethylene oxide, which can cause cancer upon long-term exposure. Singapore has also directed the importer of the spices to recall the products.
The Indian government has launched an investigation following reports from Hong Kong and Singapore authorities about the presence of ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing agent, in certain spice products from popular brands MDH and Everest. Food commissioners have been directed to collect samples from all spice manufacturing units across the country. Strict action will be taken if harmful substances are detected, and the Spices Board has been advised to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining product safety.
