An official mentioned that because Rajasthan lacks the authority to take direct action against manufacturing units in other states, it has requested FSSAI to intervene.
After some popular spice brands failed safety tests in Rajasthan, the state government has appealed to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for guidance and has also requested the governments of Gujarat and Haryana to take action against the brands in question, as their manufacturing units are located in those states.
Shubhra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical, Health, and Family Welfare department, stated that a special campaign was launched on May 8 to collect samples from all districts in Rajasthan. A total of 93 samples from various companies, including well-known brands, were collected. The State Central Public Health Laboratory’s report revealed that some samples contained very high levels of pesticides and insecticides.
According to Iqbal Khan, Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Control, tests found high quantities of pesticides and insecticides in samples from MDH, Everest, Gajanand, Shyam, and Ciba Taaza, which are “very harmful” to health.
Tests revealed that MDH’s Garam Masala contained traces of Acetamiprid, Thiamethoxam, and Imidacloprid, while its Sabzi Masala and Chana Masala had Tricyclazole and Profenofos. Everest Spices’ Jeera Masala contained Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam. Shyam spices’ Garam Masala had Acetamiprid, Ciba Taaza’s Raita Masala contained Acetamiprid and Thiamethoxam, and Gajanand spices’ Achaar Masala had Ethion.
Following these results, Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar instructed officials to launch a special campaign, leading to the seizure of over 12,000 kilograms of unsafe spices on June 8.
Given that MDH spices are manufactured in Haryana and Everest and Gajanand spices in Gujarat, letters have been sent to the Food Safety Commissioners of these states for action. Additionally, a letter was sent to the Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI for further steps.
ACS Singh told The Indian Express that this issue arose after Singapore banned some Indian spices for containing carcinogens, highlighting the public health concern. She explained that the manufacturers claim they do not add these insecticides, asserting that the contamination comes from the soil in which the produce is grown, and “that it is coming from the soil itself, in the produce they are taking. It is not a top up but is intrinsic.”
She emphasized that while the concerns are significant and need addressing as part of a broader issue, “shutting down factories is not on the anvil.”
An official reiterated that since Rajasthan cannot directly act against manufacturing units in the other states, it has asked FSSAI to ensure appropriate measures are taken.