The development comes after Hong Kong and Singapore banned the sale of four spice-mix products by Indian brands, MDH and Everest, after a carcinogenic chemical was found in them.
Following the ban on Indian spices’ brands, MDH and Everest, by Hong Kong and Singapore, India has sought details from the food safety regulators of these countries as well as the Indian firms, whose products were allegedly found to contain ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing pesticide, beyond permissible limits.
Officials said the Commerce Ministry has issued directions to Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong to send a detailed report on the matter, and also sought details from the Indian firms — MDH and Everest, whose certain have been banned by the two countries.
“Details have been sought from the companies. Root cause of the rejection and corrective actions will be determined along with the exporters concerned,” said a commerce ministry official.
He said that technical details, analytical reports and the details of the exporters whose consignments have been rejected have been sought from Embassies at Singapore and Hong Kong.
Details have also been sought from Singapore Food Agency and Centre for Food Safety, and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Hong Kong, the official added.
The ministry official mentioned that an industry consultation is also scheduled to discuss the issue of mandatory testing of ethylene oxide in spice shipments to Singapore and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong, Singapore Indian spices
After the products from MDH and Everest brands were banned by Singapore and Hong Kong, India’s food safety regulator, FSSAI Monday said they have taken samples of spices from all brands across the country for testing purposes.
“Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has started taking samples of spices in powder form of all brands, including MDH and Everest, from across the country in view of quality concerns flagged by Singapore and Hong Kong,” news agency had PTI quoted a government source as saying.
The development comes after Hong Kong and Singapore banned the sale of four spice-mix products by Indian brands, MDH and Everest, after a carcinogenic chemical was found in them. Last week, Singapore recalled the Fish Curry Masala from Everest brand, for allegedly containing a cancer-causing pesticide, ethylene oxide, beyond permissible limits.
Notably, India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices. In 2022-23 fiscal, the country exported spices worth nearly Rs 32,000 crore. Chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder and cardamom are major spices exported.
(With inputs from agencies)
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