India's food safety regulator has initiated a nationwide inspection and testing of all companies that produce spice mixes, following concerns over contamination with two popular local brands, MDH and Everest. This crackdown was prompted by suspension and recall of their products in Hong Kong and Singapore due to high levels of ethylene oxide, a cancer risk. Despite these actions, the companies insist their products are safe. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India will analyze each product for quality and safety compliance, especially focusing on powdered spices and mixed spice blends used in curries. The authority will also test for ethylene oxide and take necessary actions post-testing. India is a key player in the global spice market, being the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter, with the domestic market valued at $10.44 billion in 2022.