A spice too hot: FSSAI steps in with testing of all spice brands

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It’s a spice that is becoming too hot to handle. Scalded by the reaction and alarm of different authorities from Hong Kong to Singapore, Australia to the US over the presence of cancer-causing pesticides in two brands of spices, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sprung into action and directed a countrywide testing of the spices of all brands.

The food regulator regulator has ordered extensive inspection and testing at all manufacturing units. The focus of the endeavour centres on the manufacture of curry powder and spice mixes. FSSAI has also advised different state administrations to test spices. At some later stage, expanding its ambit of scrutiny, it would also bring other food items such as fortified rice and dairy products under the lens.

The sudden activity comes against the backdrop of Singapore, Hong Kong and Maldives banning sale of a few blends of two top-selling brands – MDH and Everest – after they found unacceptable levels of ethylene oxide (ETO), a chemical that can aid cancer on prolonged consumption.

The extreme step by these two governments prompted the Australian and US government to begin testing Indian spices, raising the hackles of New Delhi, which is keen to raise export of Indian food products all over the world.

Even in financial terms, the stakes are high. The value of spices exported from India to the US, Australia, Maldives, Hong Kong and Singapore reached $69.25 crore in FY24, Global Trade Research Initiative said after the controversy.

On its part, on April 27, MDH one of the accused companies has vigorously denied the presence of any harmful substance in its products. The company also said that till date it hasn’t received any communication from the Kong Kong and Singapore government.

The brands that stood accused in Hong Kong and Singapore were Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder and Curry Powder by MDH and Fish Curry Masala from Everest.

In a separate act, the Spices Board has stipulated that all spices being exported to Hong Kong and Singapore should be tested for the presence of ETO without exception. “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 in a statement.

Despite Indian authorities enforcing their own standards for as many as 30 spices, countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore and the US, as indeed several others, have their own standards that are far more stringent that Indian benchmarks.

Raising the scare for New Delhi, US customs has also rejected several shipments of MDH citing contamination with salmonella in the past six months.

At the onset of FSSAI action, other manufacturers said that they adhere to all regulations and follow testing protocols. Mohit Malhotra, CEO of Dabur told the newspaper, “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.”