India widens spices crackdown with nationwide checks on all manufacturers

Published 2024년 5월 2일

Tridge summary

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.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

HYDERABAD: India’s food safety regulator said on Thursday it had ordered nationwide testing and inspections at all companies making spice mixes, widening a crackdown on the sector as global regulators investigate contamination issues with two popular local brands. Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends made by India’s MDH and an Everest spice mix for fish curry. Get exclusive content with Gulf News WhatsApp channel Singapore ordered a recall of the same Everest mix as well, flagging high levels of ethylene oxide, which is unfit for human consumption and a cancer risk with long exposure. MDH and Everest products are hugely popular in India and also sold in Europe, Asia and North America, and the companies have said they are safe. Still, US and Australian food authorities said they are gathering more information on the matter, and India had already ordered testing of the two brands’ products. The Indian regulator has now ordered officials to conduct “extensive ...

Source: Gulfnews