The UK’s food regulatory body has implemented additional oversight protocols for all spice imports originating from India. This marks the first instance of heightened scrutiny being applied to all Indian spice imports, following allegations of contamination against two brands, which have raised concerns among food regulators worldwide.
Last month, Hong Kong halted the sale of three spice blends manufactured by MDH and one by Everest, citing elevated levels of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide.
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Singapore has also mandated a recall of the Everest blend, while New Zealand, the United States, India, and Australia have subsequently announced investigations into concerns associated with the two brands.
MDH and Everest, both prominent brands in India, have assured consumers that their products are safe for consumption.
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The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced the most rigorous measures to date affecting all Indian spices, stating that, due to concerns, they have “implemented additional control measures for pesticide residues in spices from India, including ethylene oxide.”
The agency refrained from providing specific details regarding the steps it is undertaking.
James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, stated in a release, “Ethylene oxide usage is prohibited here, and we have established maximum residue levels for herbs and spices.”
“If any unsafe food or products are found on the market, the FSA will swiftly intervene to safeguard consumers,” assured the spokesperson.
The Spices Board of India, responsible for export regulation, did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment.
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India is the world’s largest exporter, consumer, and producer of spices.
According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity website, in 2022, Britain imported spices worth $128 million, with India contributing nearly $23 million to this total.
MDH and Everest distribute their products to various regions, including the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.