Amidst allegations of contamination in its products in Hong Kong and Singapore, MDH, the Indian spice maker, has faced heightened scrutiny by US customs authorities. A recent report indicates that nearly 31% of MDH’s products have been rejected over the past six months due to concerns over salmonella contamination. This spike in rejections highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the company as it navigates allegations and adheres to stringent quality standards.
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.
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) has begun collecting samples of powdered spices from various brands, including MDH and Everest, following concerns raised by Singapore and Hong Kong about the quality of exported spices. The FSSAI is checking the spices against its quality standards, while the Spices Board of India investigates the banned sale of four spice-mix products by MDH and Everest due to excessive pesticide levels.
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.
