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Contamination and regulation gaps in Indian household products
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Summary
Experts point out that one needs to be aware of incidents of contamination of Indian household products. Earlier reports have highlighted everyday items like bread and sanitary pads containing harmful chemicals.
A series of concerning incidents involving commonly used FMCG household products have recently emerged in India. These include Cadbury’s Bournvita losing its ‘health drink’ designation and an inquiry initiated by the FSSAI into reports of high sugar levels in Nestle’s baby food. Furthermore, Singapore and Hong Kong have taken action against the sale of Indian spice brands MDH and Everest.
The baby product issue revolves around the permissible sugar content and adherence to Indian guidelines. Nestle asserts its Indian-manufactured products comply fully with international and local standards, including sugar levels.
Spice contamination: Ethylene Oxide allegations
More concerning, experts suggest, is the prohibition on MDH and Everest in Singapore and Hong Kong, due to allegations of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide found in several spice mixes. For instance, Hong Kong’s food regulator, The Centre For Food Safety, detected ethylene oxide in three MDH spice mixes. Singapore’s Food Agency ordered a recall of Everest’s ‘Everest fish curry masala’ for the same reason.
These companies have faced regulatory actions before. In 2023, the US FDA recalled Everest’s Sambhar and Garam Masala for salmonella, and in 2019, MDH’s Sambhar Masala faced a similar recall.
What is Ethylene oxide?
Ethylene oxide, classified as a known human carcinogen, is used in small amounts as a pesticide and sterilising agent in some countries. It’s banned as a fumigant and pesticide in the EU since 1991. The US has indicated certain pesticides will contain the substance.
Singapore has indicated ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorised for use in food, it is however allowed to be used in the sterilisation of spices. Hong Kong regulations prohibit the sale of food containing pesticide residues exceeding safe limits.
While the cause of exceeding pesticide limits must be investigated, the FSSAI plans to test samples from all brands, as ethylene oxide isn’t permitted in Indian food products.
Experts point out that one needs to be aware of the incidents of contamination of Indian household products. Earlier reports have highlighted everyday items like bread and sanitary pads containing harmful chemicals. Big brands such as Nestle have also faced the heat when their brand Maggi was banned due to allegations of unacceptable amounts of lead and other components.
Reports of Patanjali’s ghee failing safety tests and recent allegations of Dabur’s honey being contaminated also surfaced. It is important to note companies have refuted and these denied allegations.
Factors contributing to contamination
So, the key question is how do these cancer-causing substances, heavy metals make their way onto our houses and everyday lives?
Experts say the reason for harmful substances making their way into consumer products is due to factors such as the assumption that safety checks are in place by companies and especially due to the lack of laws or regulations on what the products contain and whether certain ingredients in the products are even in the permissible limits.
Also, many times chemicals and cancer-causing substances are not intentionally added but can form during preparation and processing.
When it comes to India, experts point out that interestingly some of the products which have now been discontinued in other major markets such as the US due to contamination concerns continue to be sold in the country. Experts say India lacks strong consumer activism and a legal framework which is a driving force of these litigations in countries such as the US.
Lastly, the need of the hour experts point out is for increased regulation on consumer products this ranges from regular company-level testing, standardisation of consumer goods by a regulated body and strong and continuous vigilance from government bodies.
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