India’s food safety regulator on Thursday, May 2, said that it had ordered a nationwide testing and inspections of all businesses producing spice mixes. This means that it is increasing the crackdown on the spice sector as global regulators commence probe into contamination issues with two well-known local brands.
In April, Hong Kong halted sales of three spice blends manufactured by India’s MDH and an Everest spice mix used for cooking fish curry.
Singapore also ordered a withdrawal of the same Everest mix as well, on the grounds of high levels of ethylene oxide, which is unfit for human consumption as well as its risk of cancer with long exposure.
MDH and Everest products are widely popular not only in India, but also in Europe, Asia and North America. The spice companies have said that these products are safe for human consumption.
While the U.S. and Australian food authorities are gathering more information on the issue, India has already issued directives for testing the products of the two brands.
The Indian regulator has directed officials to conduct “extensive inspections, sampling and testing at all the manufacturing units” that produce powdered spices, with a focus on those making curry powders and mixed spice blends for local and foreign markets.
What They’re Saying:
“Each of the product sampled will be analyzed for compliance with quality and safety parameters,” the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said in a statement.
The agency also added that checks would be made for any presence of ethylene oxide, —a chemical compound banned in India, and that “appropriate actions will be initiated as fit” after all the testing were completed.
Why It Matters:
India is increasing its spice regulation inspections across the country because of the following reasons:
- Global Concerns: The latest actions by foreign regulators (Hong Kong and Singapore), whereby they halted sales of spice blends from Indian brands MDH and Everest, and began scrutinising them ( U.S. and Australia) has raised concerns about the safety and quality of Indian spice products. This has prompted India’s food safety regulator to commence proactive measures to address potential contamination issues.
- Public Health Concerns: The likely presence of ethylene oxide (a chemical compound outlawed in India due to its health risks) in the spice blends has raised serious public health concerns owing to the potential health hazards associated with ethylene oxide exposure, including its carcinogenic aftereffects.
Bottom Line:
India’s decision to increase its spice regulation inspections emphasises the importance of safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of its food exports even amidst the growing concerns about contamination issues in its spice sector.
It also shows that the country is ready to make amends and is committed to producing only quality food that meets global standards.
