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.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has categorically denied recent media claims suggesting that it has permitted higher pesticide residue levels in herbs and spices. The food safety regulator clarified that India upholds some of the most stringent Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in the world, which are tailored to the dietary consumption patterns of the Indian population and address health concerns across all age groups.
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.
