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Indian spice companies may face an export ban if presence of toxins is confirmed
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Summary
The Spice Board, operating under the Ministry of Commerce, is engaged in discussions with exporters regarding the matter. The development comes after the discovery of Ethylene Oxide (ETO) residue in popular spice brands such as MDH and Everest. Consequently, both Hong Kong and Singapore have halted imports of these spices.
Indian spice companies could potentially face an export ban due to the recent reports of the presence of toxins in the products, CNBC-Awaaz reported on April 25, citing sources. According to sources within the industry, if these irregularities are confirmed, the Ministry of Commerce is preparing to impose restrictions on spice exports.
The Spice Board, operating under the Ministry of Commerce, is engaged in discussions with exporters regarding the matter. The development comes after the discovery of Ethylene Oxide (ETO) residue in popular spice brands such as MDH and Everest. Consequently, both Hong Kong and Singapore have halted imports of these spices.
The Spice Board of India has announced mandatory ETO testing for all spice shipments destined for Singapore and Hong Kong. India’s spice exports amount to nearly $4 billion annually.
However, the presence of harmful chemicals in some spice products has raised concerns, resulting in a decline in exports of such items. Both MDH and Everest have faced bans on the sale of certain products in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Specific products affected include MDH Madras Curry Powder, MDH Sambar Masala Mix Powder, MDH Curry Mix Masala Powder, and Everest Fish Curry Masala Powder. These bans have significantly impacted the sales of these brands in international markets.
The use of Ethylene Oxide in food items is strictly prohibited in India due to its carcinogenic properties. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorises Ethylene Oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating its potential to cause cancer in humans. In response to these developments, the Indian government has urged the Spice Board to raise awareness among producers to ensure that their products meet stringent safety standards.
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