Food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore recently imposed a ban on some products from Indian spice brands MDH and Everest after they were allegedly found to contain ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide.
indian spice maker MDH On Sunday it issued a statement regarding the ban imposed on some of its products by food safety authorities in Singapore and Hong Kongstating that reports suggesting that Ethylene oxide—a carcinogenic pesticide—was found in their spices, are “false” and “lack evidence.”
“We, the manufacturers of MDH spices, affirm that amidst the speculations circulating regarding the presence of ETO in our products, we clarify and unequivocally declare that these claims are false and lack evidence to substantiate them,” the company said in a official statement.
‘Unfounded claims, lack of evidence’
The spice maker claimed that neither the FSSAI nor the Spice Board of India has received any test report from the Singapore or Hong Kong authorities on the matter.
“Furthermore, MDH has not received any communication from the regulatory authorities in Singapore or Hong Kong. Our statement is further supported by the fact that the nodal regulatory authorities such as the Spice Board of India and the FSSAl have not received any communication or evidence report from the Hong Kong or Singapore authorities regarding this matter.” said MDH.
They said the lack of evidence reports “reinforces the fact that the allegations against MDH are baseless, baseless and not supported by any concrete evidence.”
‘Ethylene oxide is not used at any stage’
The company assured consumers that no ethylene oxide is used in its spices at any stage of processing, packaging or storage.
“We assure our buyers and consumers that we do not use ethylene oxide (ETO) at any stage of the storage, processing or packaging of our spices. “Our impressive 105-year legacy of providing high-quality products underscores our dedication to maintaining the trust of our consumers.”
‘Asli Masale Sach Sach’
“MDH’s commitment to quality and safety is reflected in our dedication to maintaining the standards set by our late Founding Chairman, Mahashay Dharampal Gulati Ji, whose legacy is being carried forward by his son Mahashay Rajeev Gulati Ji, Chairman of the MDH Group. . Their ethos of promoting and selling only products that they themselves would consume underlines the company’s unwavering focus on producing safe and healthy spices,” the company statement further reads.
“MDH Group assures its consumers that we comply with health and safety standards, both nationally and internationally. MDH’s motto ‘Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH’ and ‘Real Spices of India’ reflect the company’s genuine commitment to providing high-quality and authentic spices to its customers,” he added.
Hong Kong and MDH ban Indian spices
Food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore recently imposed a ban on some products from Indian spice brands, MDH and Everest, after they were allegedly found to contain ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide, beyond permitted limits. .
Following the ban, India had sought details from the food safety regulators of these countries as well as the two Indian spice manufacturers.
Officials said the commerce ministry has instructed the Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong to submit a detailed report on the matter, and has also sought details from Indian companies, MDH and Everest, whose certain products have been banned by both countries.
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