India, a prominent exporter of spices, is facing bans on products from MDH and Everest brands by Singapore and Hong Kong due to pesticide worries. In response, the country is taking proactive measures to address the issue and ensure adherence to stringent quality standards.
As the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, India has reached out to food safety regulators in Singapore and Hong Kong to obtain comprehensive details regarding the ban imposed on certain Indian spices. The Ministry of Commerce has further instructed Indian embassies in both countries to compile a thorough report on the situation.
Additionally, the ministry has initiated inquiries with Indian companies MDH and Everest, whose products have been banned over alleged traces of the pesticide ‘ethylene oxide’ surpassing permissible limits. A Commerce Ministry official stated, “Details have been requested from the companies. We will investigate the root cause of the rejection and work with the exporters to implement corrective actions.
Everest Spice has vehemently denied the reports suggesting a ban on its products in Singapore and Hong Kong due to an alleged cancer-causing ingredient. This denial follows heightened scrutiny from food regulators in both regions.
Recent cautionary statements from food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore highlighted concerns regarding certain products from MDH and Everest, citing the alleged presence of ethylene oxide above permissible limits. Ethylene oxide is classified as a ‘Group 1 carcinogen’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
In India, ethylene oxide is strictly prohibited in food items, with the government emphasizing stringent action against harmful substances in Indian spices. The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has been tasked with raising awareness about the importance of maintaining product integrity.
Meanwhile, the Spices Board of India is actively investigating the ban imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore on the sale of certain spice-mix products from Indian brands.
Ethylene oxide, commonly used as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent, poses health risks, with prolonged exposure potentially leading to adverse effects on the central nervous system.
As discussions surrounding the safety of spice products continue, consumers are advised to stay informed about potential health implications and to prioritize product safety when making purchases.