Indian spice giants under radar around the world-MDH & Everest case
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has announced that Indian spice giants MDH and Everest are now under scrutiny. FDA becomes vigilant.
According to news agency, Reuters, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has announced that Indian spice giants MDH and Everest are now under scrutiny. FSANZ is investigating allegations of contamination in spice blends manufactured by these India based companies. This investigation may lead to a recall of these products in Australia, echoing precautionary actions recently implemented in Hong Kong and Singapore.
In the statement to Reuters, the FSANZ addresses a concerning issue regarding the use of ethylene oxide as a treatment for foods sold in Australia. Ethylene oxide is a chemical commonly used as a pesticide and sterilizing agent, but it can be harmful to human health if residues remain in foods.
“We are working with international counterparts to understand the issue and with federal, state, and territory food enforcement agencies to determine if further action is required in Australia,” FSANZ said in a statement. The agency said that “ethylene oxide is not permitted to be used as a treatment for foods sold in Australia,” as quoted by Reuters.
The agency also emphasizes that ethylene oxide is not permitted to be used as a treatment for foods sold in Australia. They mention working with international counterparts to gather information about the problem. This indicates that they are not only focused on domestic sources but are also looking into how this issue is being handled globally.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced its involvement in the matter. The agency plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of food and drugs in the United States. FDA indicated that it is actively investigating the situation. This involves gathering data, assessing potential health risks, and collaborating with other regulatory agencies both domestically and internationally. Indian regulators are also conducting inspections at the facilities of MDH and Everest to ensure the quality of products and take actions if needed.
In 2019, the FDA mandated a recall of several batches of an MDH product due to salmonella contamination. Also in 2023, the FDA required a recall of two spice mixes from Everest due to similar contamination risks.
India has recently sought information from Hong Kong and Singapore regarding the exports of MDH and Everest, subsequent to regulatory actions taken. The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong has released a statement noting that they have informed the Indian embassy about the test results, without specifying further details, for necessary follow-up actions.
India holds the distinction of being the world’s largest exporter, consumer, and producer of spices. This indicates that India not only produces a substantial amount of spices but also consumes a significant portion domestically while also being a major supplier to international markets.
According to data from Zion Market Research, India’s spice market was valued at $10.44 billion in 2022. This figure reflects the economic significance of the spice industry within the country, highlighting its contribution to India’s overall economy. Also during the fiscal year 2022-23, India exported spices valued at $4 billion. This indicates the substantial role of spice exports in India’s trade sector and its contribution to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. It also demonstrates the global demand for Indian spices, which are valued for their quality, flavor, and diversity.