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12% of the spices being sold in the country do not meet the quality and safety standards. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) tested a total of 4054 samples of spices being sold in the country. Out of these, 474 spices were not edible according to FSSAI.
FSSAI tested spices between May and July. Reuters had sought this information from the government through RTI. In April-May 2024, the government had decided to investigate these after questions were raised on the quality of spices in Singapore and Hong Kong and reports of ban.
FSSAI said- there is no detail according to the brand of spices
Food Authority FSSAI said in its reply that there is no brand-wise detail of the spices that were tested. But it is taking action against companies that do not meet the quality and safety standards. At the same time, MDH and Everest claimed that their products are safe for consumers.
Spices export worth ₹37,425 crore in 2023-24
MDH and Everest spices are sold in the Indian market as well as worldwide. According to Zion Market Research, the value of India’s domestic spice market was more than Rs 87,608 crore in 2022. The value of spice exports from India is estimated to be more than Rs 37,425 crore in the financial year 2023-24.
Indian spices contained pesticides in Singapore-Hong Kong
After the government banned four spices of MDH and Everest in Hong Kong and Singapore in April 2024, now the Government of India has asked the Food Commissioners to collect samples of spices of all the companies.
Media reports claimed that these products of both the companies were banned due to the high amount of pesticide ‘ethylene oxide’ in them. There is a risk of cancer due to the high amount of this pesticide in these products.
Hong Kong’s Food Safety Department had said that high levels of ethylene oxide were found in three spice mixes of MDH Group – Madras Curry Powder, Sambar Masala Powder and Curry Powder. This carcinogenic pesticide was also found in Everest’s Fish Curry Masala.
Why are pesticides used in spices?
Spice companies use pesticides, including ethylene oxide, to prevent food items from spoiling due to bacteria and fungi such as E. coli and Salmonella, as exposure to these bacteria can greatly shorten the shelf life of spices.
Despite the ban on preserving them for a long time, these companies are using pesticides as preservatives or sterilizing agents.
Government claims – There is no ban on Indian spices in Hong Kong and Singapore
Indian government sources claimed on May 21 that there was no ban on any Indian spices in Singapore and Hong Kong, refuting media reports that only a few batches of products from popular spice brands MDH and Everest were rejected.
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has refuted media reports claiming that the Food Controller of India allows the addition of 10 times more pesticides than the prescribed standard in herbs and spices.
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Spices of all companies including MDH-Everest will be tested: Indian government’s action after ban in Hong Kong and Singapore, risk of cancer from these products
After the ban on four spices of MDH and Everest in Hong Kong and Singapore, now the Government of India has asked the food commissioners to collect samples of spices of all the companies. This information has been given in media reports. These products of both the companies were banned due to the high amount of pesticide ethylene oxide in them.
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