Australia's food safety authority announced on Tuesday that it is gathering data to determine whether spice blends sold by Indian firms MDH and Everest may be contaminated, potentially necessitating a recall.
This follows increased regulatory scrutiny, with Hong Kong recently halting sales of three MDH spice blends and an Everest mix for fish curry. Similarly, Singapore has mandated a recall of the same Everest blend due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide, deemed unsafe for human consumption and posing long-term cancer risks.
Why are Indian spice makers MDH and Everest under scanner?
Health authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong countries discovered elevated levels of the cancer-causing pesticide "ethylene oxide", exceeding acceptable limits in these spice blends.
“If the amount exceeded the allowed limits, it would not be safe for humans to consume.” said Dr Pritam Kataria, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital. “There are always residues left behind when ethylene oxide is employed as a fumigant to sterilise food products and surfaces that come into contact with them, or for medicinal or pharmaceutical purposes.” he added.
Following the crackdown on these spice brands overseas, India's primary food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has opted to conduct sampling of MDH and Everest spices. Additionally, the Commerce Ministry has instructed Indian embassies in both Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as the spice manufacturers, to submit a detailed report on the issue.
What are the recent developments?
Australia's food safety authority stated on Tuesday that it is gathering data to determine whether spice mixes sold by Indian firms MDH and Everest may be contaminated, potentially necessitating a food recall. This marks the latest regulatory effort to intensify scrutiny.
"We are working with international counterparts to understand the issue and with federal, state and territory food enforcement agencies to determine if further action is required in Australia," Food Standards Australia New Zealand said in a statement.
Such action could include a recall, it said, adding, "Ethylene oxide is not permitted to be used as a treatment for foods sold in Australia."
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday that it is also acquiring further information regarding the issue. Additionally, Indian authorities have conducted recent inspections of MDH and Everest plants.
In 2019, certain batches of an MDH product were recalled in the U.S. due to salmonella contamination. Subsequently, in 2023, the FDA mandated a recall of two Everest spice mixes for the same contamination risk.
Why is ethylene oxide used in spices?
Ethylene Oxide is used for the sterilisation of spices upto a certain limit, beyond which it is unsafe for consumption.
“Consuming food containing trace amounts of ethylene oxide may not be dangerous right away, but over time, it may lead to health issues.” said Dr Kanav Kumar, a Surgical Oncologist at the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, Head and Neck Cancer Institute of India, Mumbai.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has labeled ethylene oxide as a significant carcinogen. Food items containing pesticide residues are subject to rigorous inspections in accordance with food safety regulations. A spokesperson from the Center for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong stated that violators could face a fine of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The recent discovery of the cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide in spices could stem from shortcomings in the supply chain, such as inadequate testing protocols or insufficient monitoring of chemical residues.
“It could also highlight deficiencies in regulatory measures, indicating the need for more robust testing procedures and stricter enforcement of safety standards throughout the supply chain.” said said Ashwin Bhadri, founder and CEO of Equinox Labs.
The Spices Board has outlined the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for ethylene oxide (ETO) accepted in key markets such as the EU, UK, US, Singapore, Switzerland and Turkey within its guidelines. It's worth noting that CODEX, the global authority established by WHO and FAO, has not established any MRLs specifically for spices.
What are the company responses?
MDH and Everest have asserted the safety of their spices amidst the controversy.
"We reassure our buyers and consumers that we do not use ethylene oxide at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our spices," MDH said in an official statement on Sunday.
The company emphasised that it does not utilise ethylene oxide in any stage of its spice processing. Furthermore, MDH highlighted that India's FSSAI and the Spices Board have not received any communication or test reports from authorities in Hong Kong or Singapore.
Everest has similarly affirmed the safety of its spices for consumption.
What effect would it have on Indian spice exports?
Apart from Hong Kong and Singapore, US customs authorities have rejected approximately 31 percent of MDH products in the last six months. Since October 2023, the rejection rate for MDH shipments has more than doubled to 31 percent from 15 percent, primarily due to salmonella contamination.
The discovery of contaminants like Salmonella or ethylene oxide in Indian spices could indeed have a significant impact on exports, said Ashwin Bhadri, Founder and CEO of Equinox Labs. “In the short-term, it may lead to increased scrutiny and potential bans or restrictions on certain products.” he said.
He also noted that in the long term, stringent regulatory measures and proactive efforts to ensure product safety can help restore consumer confidence and mitigate adverse effects on exports.
What proactive steps can consumers take to advocate for and ensure the availability of safer products in the market?
Consumers can advocate safer products by staying informed about food safety issues, supporting companies that prioritise safety and transparency and actively engaging with policymakers to demand stronger regulatory measures. “They can also educate themselves about labels and certifications indicating product safety and quality.” said Bhadri. Consumers must also educate themselves on how the food brands use smart marketing techniques to mislead them and be aware of such brands. Additionally, they can look for certifications from trusted testing laboratories.” he noted.
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