Amid rising concerns regarding food safety, two of the most renowned Indian spice brands, MDH and Everest, have found themselves in a precarious situation. These brands are facing significant global scrutiny after several countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Nepal, suspended sales of certain spice blends last month. The reason? These spice blends were found to contain ethylene oxide, a pesticide that can cause cancer, prompting countries like the UK, Australia, and the US to ramp up testing on Indian spices.
MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Mixed Masala Powder, and Mixed Masala Curry Powder, along with Everest's Fish Curry Masala, are among the key products reported to be contaminated. This alarming discovery has raised questions about the safety of these products and the regulations governing food safety in India.
The controversy began on April 5 when Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety announced the suspension of these spice blends due to contamination with ethylene oxide, a toxic chemical often used as a food stabilizer. Following this, Singapore recalled Everest's spice mix, deeming it unfit for human consumption and a potential cancer risk with prolonged exposure.
Prior to the detection of pesticide contamination, reports indicated that nearly 31% of MDH's products had been rejected by US customs over the past six months, primarily due to salmonella contamination. This uptick in refusals has raised concerns about the overall quality and safety of Indian spices in international markets.
Britain has taken a proactive approach by implementing additional control measures on all spice imports from India, while New Zealand has also announced investigations into potential contamination. Meanwhile, Canada remains vigilant, stating there is currently no evidence to suggest any affected products are on the market.
With India exporting over 200 spices to approximately 180 countries and generating substantial revenue, the impact of this scrutiny could be significant. The Spices Board of India has mandated product testing for exports and is working with exporters to identify contamination sources. There are growing calls for stricter quality checks on spices sold in domestic markets, highlighting the importance of maintaining consumer trust.
MDH and Everest, both iconic brands with deep roots in Indian culture, have responded by assuring consumers that their products are safe. MDH's spokesperson emphasized that ethylene oxide is not used in any part of their production process. Everest also reassured customers about the safety and quality of their products, highlighting that only one of their products was under scrutiny.
As the investigations continue and regulatory actions escalate, the future of these beloved spice brands and the reputation of India's spice industry hang in the balance. The outcome of this situation may reshape standards and practices within the industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities for improvement.
