The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has intensified its control measures on all spice imports from India, responding to recent contamination allegations against prominent Indian spice brands MDH and Everest. This move marks the first comprehensive scrutiny of all Indian spices following concerns raised by global food regulators.
Last month, Hong Kong suspended sales of three spice blends from MDH and one from Everest due to high levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide linked to cancer. Subsequently, Singapore ordered a recall of Everest products, and authorities in New Zealand, the United States, India, and Australia began investigations into the matter.
Both MDH and Everest, leading spice brands in India, have asserted that their products are safe for consumption. However, the UK’s FSA has taken stringent measures, applying additional controls for pesticide residues, including ethylene oxide, on all spice imports from India.
“The use of ethylene oxide is not permitted here, and maximum residue levels are enforced for herbs and spices,” stated James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA. The agency has not detailed the specific steps being taken but emphasized the importance of these measures for consumer safety.
India, as the world’s largest exporter, consumer, and producer of spices, plays a significant role in the global spice market. In 2022, the UK imported $128 million worth of spices, with nearly $23 million coming from India, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
MDH and Everest export their products to various regions, including the U.S., Europe, South East Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. Indian regulators have conducted tests on all spice products and inspected samples from MDH and Everest, though the results have not been made public.
Since 2021, MDH has faced an average rejection rate of 14.5% for its U.S. shipments due to the presence of salmonella, based on a Reuters analysis of U.S. FDA data.
On Wednesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency informed Reuters that it is aware of the concerns regarding MDH and Everest products and is monitoring the situation closely. “Based on current information, we have no evidence to suggest that the issues raised affect products currently in the Canadian market,” the agency stated.
