MDH reassures safety of spice products amid allegations, denies pesticide presence

CFS reported that spice mix samples of MDH and Everest were discovered to contain a pesticide called ethylene oxide

Indian spice brand MDH on Saturday assured consumers that its products are entirely safe and refuted the accusations made by food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore of pesticide presence in certain items. Earlier in April, Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety (CFS) reported that samples of various pre-packaged spice mix products from two Indian brands, MDH and Everest, were discovered to contain a pesticide called ethylene oxide.

The CFS advised consumers against purchasing and traders against selling MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder. MDH stated in a release that it has not been contacted by food safety regulators in Hong Kong or Singapore.

Claims lack evidence, says MDH

Regarding the alleged presence of ethylene oxide in some of its products, MDH rebutted the claims as unsubstantiated and lacking evidence. The company emphasised that neither the Spice Board of India nor the food regulator FSSAI has received any communication or test reports from authorities in Hong Kong or Singapore regarding this issue. MDH emphasised that the allegations against them are baseless and unsupported by evidence.

MDH reiterated its commitment to the safety and quality of its products, asserting that it does not utilise ethylene oxide at any stage of storing, processing, or packaging its spices. The company affirmed its adherence to health and safety standards both domestically and internationally, citing its tagline "Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH" and "Real Spices of India" as reflections of its genuine dedication to providing authentic, high-quality spices.

Following Hong Kong's directive, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also issued a recall of imported Everest Fish Curry Masala. India, being the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, exported spices worth nearly Rs 32,000 crore in 2022-23. Major exported spices include chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder, and cardamom.