India is currently conducting inspections of the facilities of spice manufacturers MDH and Everest to ensure compliance with quality standards following Hong Kong’s suspension of sales of some of their products due to alleged high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.
This month, Hong Kong halted sales of three MDH spice blends and an Everest spice mix for fish curries. Similarly, Singapore ordered a recall of the Everest spice mix, citing elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a substance deemed unfit for human consumption and associated with cancer risks with prolonged exposure.
MDH and Everest spices, renowned in India and widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America, garnered exports amounting to $4 billion in 2022-23, as reported by the Spices Board, India’s industry regulator for spices.
The Spices Board disclosed on Wednesday that it has requested data on MDH and Everest exports from relevant authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore and has commenced inspections at the companies’ facilities to identify the “root cause” of the issue.
“Thorough inspections at exporter facilities are also underway to ensure adherence with regulatory standards. … The Board is in touch with Indian missions in Singapore and Hong Kong to get more information,” the statement from the board affirmed.
MDH and Everest have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the Spices Board’s statement. However, Everest asserted on Tuesday that its spices are safe for consumption and undergo necessary clearances and approvals from the laboratories of the Spice Board of India before exportation.
Regarding the matter, the Spices Board announced it would begin mandatory testing for ethylene oxide in spice shipments destined for Singapore and Hong Kong. Moreover, shipments to other countries will be subject to rigorous monitoring for the presence of this contaminant.
