Indian government sources have claimed that there is no ban on any Indian spices in Singapore and Hong Kong. Rejecting media reports, it has been said that only a few batches of products of popular masala brands MDH and Everest were rejected. According to news agency PTI, an official said that the Government of India has examined the samples of these two companies. In this, all 18 samples of MDH were found as per the standards. However, some of the 12 Everest samples had high amounts of ethylene oxide. The central government has instructed Everest to improve its products. An e-mail has also been sent to the company, the reply to which has not been received yet. Apart from this, both the spice manufacturing companies have been advised to take precautions during manufacturing, packaging, storage and transportation of the products. Strict instructions have been issued to ensure that the products reach their right place properly. Additionally, the Spices Board has made pre-shipment sampling and testing mandatory to check ethylene oxide in products destined for Singapore and Hong Kong. In April, there was news of ban on spices by Singapore and Hong Kong. In the month of April in Singapore and Hong Kong, it was claimed that some spices of MDH and Everest contained more than the limit amount of pesticide ethylene oxide. After this, it was said in media reports that some products of MDH and Everest companies have been banned in both the countries. Hong Kong’s Food Safety Department had said that high amounts of ethylene oxide were found in three spice mixes of MDH Group – Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder and Curry Powder. This carcinogenic pesticide has also been found in Everest’s fish curry masala. There is a risk of cancer from excessive amounts of ethylene oxide. Why are pesticides used in spices? Spice manufacturing companies use pesticides, including ethylene oxide, to protect food items from spoilage by bacteria and fungi such as E. coli and Salmonella, as exposure to these bacteria can shorten the shelf life of spices. . Despite the ban to prevent them from spoiling for a long time, these companies are using pesticides as preservatives or sterilizing agents. Rejection rate of Indian spices is very low – Commerce Ministry. On May 15, the Commerce Ministry had said that the rejection rate of Indian spices is very low. At the same time, failure of export samples is also less. A top official of the ministry had said – The rejection rate is less than 1% of the total quantity of spices exported from our side to major countries. He said the ministry keeps an eye on recall and rejection data. According to media reports, the Commerce Ministry official had said that India exported about 14.15 million tonnes of spices in FY24, out of which only a small quantity of 200 kg of spices was recalled. In the financial year 2022-23, India exported spices worth Rs 32,000 crore. In the financial year 2022-23, India exported spices worth about Rs 32,000 crore. Chilli, cumin, turmeric, curry powder and cardamom are the major spices exported.
