Explained | Which Cancer-Causing Chemical Was Found Amid MDH, Everest Row?

India's powdered spices are currently under scrutiny, with the country's apex food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), reportedly requesting states to collect samples of various spices for quality checks.

The development follows the recall of several products from India's top spice brands - MDH and Everest - by food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore due to the detection of ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing chemical. The presence of ethylene oxide has prompted action from food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore, resulting in the recall of products from MDH and Everest.

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Withdrawal of Spice Blends in Hong Kong and Singapore

Several spice blends, including MDH's 'Madras Curry Powder', 'Sambhar Masala Powder', and 'Curry Powder', along with Everest Group's 'Fish Curry Masala', have been withdrawn by authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore.

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department collected samples from retail outlets for testing under its routine food surveillance program. The test results revealed the presence of ethylene oxide, prompting the CFS to instruct vendors to cease sales and remove affected products from shelves, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Highlighting the severity, the CFS warned about ethylene oxide, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Similarly, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) ordered the recall of Everest's 'Fish Curry Masala' due to ethylene oxide levels exceeding permissible limits. The SFA clarified that ethylene oxide, a pesticide not authorized for food use, is permitted for sterilizing spices under Singapore's Food Regulations.

Response from Everest Food Products Pvt on Spice Controversy

Everest Food Products Pvt responded to the controversy, refuting claims of its spices being banned in Hong Kong and Singapore.

According to a company spokesperson speaking to NDTV Profit, Everest clarified that it is not banned in either country. Only one out of 60 Everest products have been temporarily held for examination following Hong Kong's alert.

The company emphasized that its products are safe and of high quality, maintaining strict hygiene and safety standards in its manufacturing facilities.

Spice Samples to be Tested by FSSAI

In response to actions taken by authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will conduct tests on samples of spices from all manufacturing units in India.

According to top government sources speaking to NDTV, food commissioners across the country have been alerted, and the process of collecting spice samples has commenced. Samples will be collected from all spice manufacturing units within the next three to four days.

The lab report is expected to be released in approximately 20 days after testing. According to Reuters, a senior Indian official indicated that these spices will be examined for the presence of ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is prohibited in food products in India. Sources informed NDTV that stringent measures will be taken if "harmful substances are detected in Indian spices."

Understanding Ethylene Oxide: Properties and Uses

Ethylene oxide is a colourless, flammable gas at room temperature with a sweet odour. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), it is primarily utilized in the production of various chemicals, including ethylene glycol (used in antifreeze).

Additionally, ethylene oxide is employed in the manufacturing of textiles, detergents, polyurethane foam, medicines, adhesives, and solvents. It serves as a fumigant for food spices to prevent microbial contamination like E. coli and Salmonella, as reported by First Post.

The NCI notes that ethylene oxide has DNA-damaging properties, making it an effective sterilising agent. In hospitals, it is used to sterilise surgical equipment.

Exposure to ethylene oxide can occur through inhaling contaminated air or by smoking tobacco. Workers involved in fumigation or the production of the chemical are also at risk of exposure, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Harmful Effects of Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene oxide poses significant health risks and is considered a chronic hazard. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies ethylene oxide as a 'Group 1 carcinogen', indicating sufficient evidence to conclude that it can cause cancer in humans.

Prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide can result in irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, as well as damage to the brain and nervous system. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to ethylene oxide can increase the risk of lymphoid cancer and breast cancer in women, as reported by First Post.

As a harmful pesticide, ethylene oxide is unsuitable for human consumption. Nutritionist Kanika Narang from Delhi's Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals highlighted that spices containing ethylene oxide, commonly used in household cooking across various dishes, can lead to chronic exposure over time. This chronic exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancers such as leukaemia, stomach cancer, and breast cancer.