Following Rajasthan’s findings of unsafe pesticide levels in certain MDH and Everest spice products, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is set to take stringent actions against these spice makers.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is gearing up to take decisive action against prominent spice brands, including MDH and Everest, following revelations by Rajasthan health officials that these brands’ products contain pesticide and insecticide levels exceeding permissible limits. The state has requested FSSAI’s intervention to address the safety concerns related to these products.
Key Findings:
- Investigation Initiated: FSSAI has commenced an investigation into the matter and is expected to take measures ranging from imposing penalties to recalling affected products.
- State’s Request: Rajasthan’s health authorities had previously notified FSSAI about the presence of contaminants in the spices that make them unsafe for consumption.
A senior FSSAI official stated, “The tests conducted by Rajasthan did not find ethylene oxide (ETO), but they did identify insecticides and other contaminants above the allowable limits. We will take action according to the established regulations after thoroughly analyzing the reports.”
Recent Developments:
- Past Clearance: Just last month, FSSAI cleared MDH and Everest of any issues after a comprehensive nationwide check on spices. The regulator found these brands compliant with safety standards at that time.
- International Concerns: This scrutiny followed actions by Singapore and Hong Kong, which had suspended sales of certain spice blends from MDH and Everest due to concerns over high ETO levels, a substance known to pose cancer risks with prolonged exposure.
FSSAI had previously tested around 300 samples from various brands, including nine samples from Everest’s facilities in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and 25 samples from 11 manufacturing units of MDH. These tests covered a range of quality and safety parameters, including moisture content, insect contamination, pesticide residues, and more. The results showed no traces of ETO in the tested batches.
Spices are a significant export for India, with the country’s spice exports totaling $4.25 billion in the last fiscal year, representing 12% of global spice trade, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The current safety concerns could impact this crucial export sector.
As FSSAI proceeds with its investigation, the focus will be on ensuring compliance with safety standards and restoring consumer confidence in Indian spices. The potential repercussions for the implicated brands highlight the importance of maintaining stringent quality controls in the food sector.