Indian authorities have revealed that nearly 500 spice samples, or about 12%, have failed to meet quality and safety standards in recent tests. This comes after several countries, including Hong Kong, suspended the sale of certain spice blends due to contamination concerns.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted inspections and testing of various spice brands after Hong Kong halted the sale of popular products like Madras Curry Powder, Sambar Masala, and Fish Curry Masala from MDH and Everest brands in April. The decision was prompted by the discovery of dangerously high levels of pesticides in these products.
Data obtained by Reuters through India’s Right to Information Act shows that out of 4,054 samples tested between May and early July, 474 did not meet the required safety and quality parameters. Although FSSAI did not disclose the specific brands that failed the tests, it stated that necessary actions are being taken against the companies involved. “Action on non-conforming samples has been taken as stipulated,” an official from FSSAI told Reuters, referencing the legal penalties under Indian law without providing further details.
India’s domestic spice market is substantial, valued at approximately $10.44 billion, according to Zion Market Research. The country also recorded spice exports worth $4.46 billion in the fiscal year ending in March.
Global Impact: MDH and Everest Spices Banned
Following Hong Kong’s action, several other countries, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the United States, and Australia, have tightened controls on spice imports from India. These nations are now investigating potential contamination issues with the brands in question.
Health Risks and Pesticide Concerns
One of the primary concerns in the contamination scandal is the presence of Ethylene oxide, a sweet-smelling, colorless gas commonly used as a pesticide. While it was initially reported that Ethylene oxide was found in high concentrations in the spices, FSSAI’s tests, conducted across 28 accredited laboratories, found no traces of the gas in the samples.
Ethylene oxide is known for its effectiveness in killing viruses, bacteria, spores, and fungi by disrupting their cell membranes. However, it poses significant health risks, including respiratory irritation, lung damage, and chronic exposure can lead to cancers like lymphoma, breast cancer, and leukemia. The gas is banned for use in food products in most countries, including India. Experts suggest that Ethylene oxide might have contaminated the spice mixes either through its application on crops or as a cheap sterilization agent used during processing.
The controversy over contaminated spices highlights the need for stringent safety measures in the spice industry to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of one of India’s most valuable export markets.