New Delhi | Pune: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered a nationwide testing of the spices of all brands. This after Singapore and Hong Kong suspended the sale of some spice blends of two top-selling brands - MDH and Everest - citing high levels of ethylene oxide (ETO), a pesticide which is unfit for human consumption and a cancer risk with long exposure.
The regulator has ordered its officials to conduct extensive inspections, sampling and testing at all spice manufacturing units, with a focus on those making curry powders and mixed spice blends. It has also ordered state governments to test spices and ensure quality. Apart from spices, FSSAI also plans to launch surveillance on other food items such as fortified rice and dairy products.
Spices Board Decision
Separately, India's Spices Board has made testing for ETO mandatory for all spices being exported to Hong Kong and Singapore. Testing has been made mandatory from May 6. "All the spice consignments, including ready-to-eat (RTE) products, destined for Singapore and Hong Kong shall be accompanied with a cleared analytical report for ETO issued by Spices Board," the board said.
Even though Indian authorities have set standards for 30 spices and condiments, export destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore and the US have their own standards, which experts said are stricter than those in India.Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends made by MDH and an Everest spice mix for fish curry. Singapore ordered a recall of the same Everest mix. The US customs authority has also rejected several shipments of MDH citing contamination with salmonella in the last six months.
After the issue came to light, MDH said that it does not use ETO at any stage of storing, processing, or packing its spices. Everest said that all its products undergo stringent quality control checks.It said the reports of the brand being banned in Singapore and Hong Kong was false and that the orders were only to recall the products and temporarily hold them for further inspection.
Even as FSSAI expands its crackdown on spice brands that do not meet quality standards, other manufacturers said that they adhere to all necessary regulations and follow stringent testing protocols."All our spices comply with the regulations set up by FSSAI for Indian markets and by the Spices Board of India for the overseas markets. All export consignments are tested by the Spices Board and shipped only once they comply with their regulations and specifications," Mohit Malhotra, CEO of Dabur.
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