Safety concerns over Indian spices
Safety Concerns Arise Over Indian Spices Exported Globally
Indian spices, renowned for their diverse flavors, are facing safety concerns following an international halt in sales of certain brands over suspected pesticide levels. Singapore and Hong Kong stopped sales of spices from Indian companies MDH and Everest due to elevated ethylene oxide levels, a cancer-causing pesticide.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating products from these brands for potential pesticide contamination, while the European Union (EU) detected the same substance in Indian chilli peppers and peppercorns. Additional concerns have arisen in the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Australia.
India is a global spice powerhouse, exporting over 200 spices and value-added products to 180 countries, worth $4bn. However, safety concerns have led to questions about the integrity of its exports. Both MDH and Everest, popular and trusted brands, have faced scrutiny. Delhi-based MDH, a 105-year-old family-run firm, and Everest Food Products, a 57-year-old company, have a wide reach, with endorsements from Bollywood superstars.
This isn’t the first time Indian spices have been under scrutiny. Lead contamination was found in food coloring used in spices in 2014, and recent seizures of adulterated spices highlight ongoing issues.
To address concerns, India’s government has instructed state governments to conduct quality tests. The Spices Board and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are issuing guidelines and testing samples. However, the situation has raised questions about India’s food safety standards, especially post-harvest and processing practices.
Narasimha Reddy Donthi, an environmental justice activist, believes inadequate government attention contributes to the decline in India’s spice image. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warns that regulatory actions could affect half of India’s spice exports.
Experts emphasize the need for India to prioritize transparency, stringent enforcement, and clear communication to safeguard its exports’ integrity. As safety concerns persist, the future of India’s spice industry faces challenges in maintaining its global reputation.
