MDH, Everest to Test Samples After Indian Spice Brands Banned in Hong Kong, Singapore

The Indian government has issued a stern warning, stating that strict action will be taken if harmful substances are found in Indian spices. Government sources have indicated that all food commissioners in the country have been alerted and the process of collecting samples of spices has been initiated. The intention is to collect samples from all spice manufacturing units within the next three to four days, including companies such as MDH and Everest. The samples will undergo testing at a lab, with results expected in about 20 days.

Ethylene oxide, classified as a ‘Group 1 carcinogen’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has been found in three spice products of MDH and Everest’s Fish Curry Masala. This has led to regulatory actions in Hong Kong and Singapore, with instructions to vendors to halt the sale of affected products and remove them from shelves. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has further directed an importer to recall the products, with the recall currently underway. Both MDH and Everest Foods have not yet commented on these claims.

The government has emphasized the possibility of criminal proceedings if harmful substances are discovered in Indian spices, and has urged the Spices Board to raise awareness about the importance of avoiding such elements in spice products. The Spices Board of India is actively investigating the ban imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore. Government sources have asserted that sampling of spices has been ongoing before the incidents in Hong Kong and Singapore, with no harmful elements detected thus far. They plan to increase the speed and number of sample collections going forward.

Ethylene oxide is commonly used as a disinfectant, fumigant, sterilising agent, and insecticide. It is utilized in sterilising medical equipment and reducing microbial contamination in spices. While it can be produced from natural sources, it can also be generated from water-logged soil, manure, and sewage sludge. Short-term exposure to the carcinogen can affect the human central nervous system and cause depression, as well as irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes.

Prolonged exposure can lead to irritation and damage to various organs, as per the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).