Government Collaborates with Spice Brands for Ethylene Oxide Compliance; Everest to Rectify

The Indian government has recently spotlighted a significant issue concerning the safety standards of spices exported from the country, following the recall of products from two renowned brands, MDH and Everest, in Singapore and Hong Kong. The recalls were initiated due to the detection of ethylene oxide (EtO), a carcinogenic chemical, in some of their spice products. An official disclosed on Monday that upon conducting tests for EtO residue, discrepancies were found in samples from Everest Spices, prompting a call for immediate corrective measures.

Representative image

While all 18 samples from MDH complied with the stringent standards set for EtO presence, which is capped at 0.1 mg per Kg, some samples from Everest did not meet these criteria. The government is now closely working with Everest to ensure all their products adhere to the required safety standards. Despite attempts to reach out, Everest has not yet responded to queries regarding this issue.

Different nations have established varying Maximum Residual Limits (MRL) for EtO in spices. For instance, the European Union has set the limit between 0.02 to 0.1 mg per Kg, Singapore allows up to 50 mg per Kg, and Japan's limit is at 0.01 mg per Kg. The tests conducted on the spice samples were based on the 0.1 mg per Kg standard.

Despite this setback, the spices export sector in India has shown positive growth, with a 12.27 percent increase in exports amounting to USD 405.62 million in April alone. The government official highlighted that awareness regarding MRL requirements is evolving within the industry. There have been three industry-wide consultations addressing this issue, indicating a proactive approach towards finding alternatives to EtO usage.

Furthermore, the official mentioned that the industry is exploring alternative technologies for spice preservation and sterilization that do not involve EtO. This shift is part of a broader effort to enhance compliance with international safety standards and reduce product rejections in global markets.

In addition to these measures, the Indian government is facilitating capacity-building programs for spice exporters in collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). These initiatives aim to equip exporters with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet international MRL requirements, thereby ensuring the safety and quality of Indian spices on the global stage.