In May 2024, regulatory authorities in at least five nations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States, began probing potential contamination in spice mixes produced by the well-known Indian brands MDH and Everest. Allegations surfaced that these spice mixes exceeded permissible levels of ethylene oxide, a harmful chemical used as a food stabilizer. The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of Hong Kong's Special Administrative Region detected the presence of ethylene oxide in three MDH products: Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder.
The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) has formally requested clarification from India's Spices Board following recent regulatory actions in Singapore and Hong Kong involving the presence of ethylene oxide (ETO) residues in spice products from Indian brands.
In a letter to Dr. K. G. Jagadeesha, Secretary of India's Spices Board, ASTA addressed recent media reports highlighting product recalls from Everest Food Products and MDH in both Singapore and Hong Kong due to alleged elevated ETO levels. The ASTA emphasized the need for clarity on the matter and offered insights into ETO and the relevant food safety regulations that govern spice imports to the United States.
ASTA wrote, "The American Spice Trade Association has become aware of recent media reports on the rejection of Indian spices from Singapore and Hong Kong due to the presence of ethylene oxide (ETO) residues. In light of these recent developments, we are reaching out to offer clarification on ETO and food safety regulations pertaining to spices imported into the United States."
They further noted that ETO is a permitted treatment method for spices in the U.S., and restricting its use could unintentionally complicate compliance with U.S. food safety standards.
Singapore's food regulator, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), banned Everest's fish curry masala after detecting ETO levels exceeding the permissible limit. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety (CFS) identified three MDH Group products - Sambhar Masala Powder and Curry Powder as containing unacceptable ETO levels, alongside Everest's Fish Curry Masala.
The CFS collected samples from retail outlets for routine testing under the Food Surveillance Programme and discovered the presence of ETO, a carcinogenic pesticide. The CFS ordered the immediate removal of these products from store shelves, with an ongoing investigation to determine further actions.
ASTA continues to monitor developments while urging Indian spice manufacturers to ensure compliance with international regulations. Neither MDH nor Everest has yet responded to the reports. The global spice trade will be observing how these regulatory challenges influence future standards and policies. The use of chemicals like ethylene oxide in spices has raised significant health concerns due to their potential side effects. As a stabilizer and fumigant, ethylene oxide is linked to serious health risks, including an elevated cancer risk when consumed beyond permissible levels. The recent findings in popular spice mixes highlight the urgency for stricter quality control and adherence to global food safety standards, emphasizing the importance of transparency and regulatory oversight in ensuring consumer health and safety.
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