Spices Board Probes MDH And Everest Product Bans For Quality Concerns, Here's Why

The Spices Board of India is actively investigating the recent ban imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore on the sale of specific spice-mix products from popular Indian brands MDH and Everest. This action was taken following the detection of pesticide residue, specifically ethylene oxide, in these products beyond permissible limits.

According to Spices Board of India Director A B Rema Shree, "We are looking into the matter. We are at it," indicating that the board is taking the ban seriously and conducting a thorough investigation, as reported by PTI.

Photo Credit: X-@SpicesMdh

Spices Board Probes MDH And Everest Product

The banned products include MDH's Madras Curry Powder (Spice blend for Madras Curry), MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder. These products were found to contain levels of ethylene oxide pesticide that exceed the acceptable limits established by food safety authorities.

Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety (CFS) issued a statement on April 5, 2024, revealing the results of routine testing conducted on samples collected from retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui. The tests confirmed the presence of ethylene oxide in the spice-mix products from the two Indian brands. In response, the CFS warned consumers against purchasing these products and instructed traders to cease selling them immediately, as reported by PTI.

Furthermore, the CFS informed the distributors and importers concerned about the irregularities and directed them to recall the affected products from shelves. Ethylene oxide is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), underscoring the seriousness of the contamination issue.

Singapore's Food Agency (SFA) also took action by ordering a recall of the imported 'Everest Fish Curry Masala' due to similar concerns over ethylene oxide contamination. This demonstrates a coordinated effort by food safety authorities to address the issue and protect consumer health.

India is renowned as the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, with exports totalling nearly Rs 32,000 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23. Major exported spices include chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder, and cardamom, as per PTI reports.

The presence of ethylene oxide beyond permissible limits in these spice-mix products underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures and highlights the potential health risks associated with pesticide residues in food products. The ongoing investigation by the Spices Board of India will play a crucial role in addressing these concerns and ensuring compliance with international food safety standards.