According to the UK food regulator, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), additional control measures have been applied for all spices imported from India, which marks the first country to heighten scrutiny of Indian spices after two brands were accused of contamination leading to concerns among global food regulators.
However, last month Hong Kong suspended sales of three spice blends by MDH and one by Everest due to high levels of ethylene oxide that causes health problems such as cancer.
Singapore has also recalled Everest mix while New Zealand, US, India and Australia are also looking into the matter concerning these two brands.
MDH and Everest—two of India’s best-known brand names—have claimed their products are safe to eat.
Consequently, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has imposed its most rigorous control measures yet on all Indian spices in connection with any possible damage they may cause. “In light of these concerns we have applied extra control measures for pesticide residues in spices from India including ethylene oxide,” said FSA.
None whatsoever were given by the agency on what actions it is specifically taking.
“There is zero tolerance for using ethylene oxide here and there are maximum residue levels set for herbs and spices”, commented James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at FSA in a statement sent to Reuters.
If there is any unsafe food or food on the market, the FSA will take rapid action to ensure consumers are protected
No comment was immediately available from India’s Spices Board, which oversees exports.
India is both the largest exporter and consumer as well as producer of spices worldwide.
The statistical data gathered by Observatory of Economic Complexity reveals that Britain imported $128 million worth of spices in 2022 with an almost $23m share stemming from India alone.
MDH and Everest sell their products across several regions including USA , Europe , South East Asia , Middle East & Australia.
