What is the quality concern with MDH and Everest spices?
India, known as the leading producer, consumer, and exporter of spices worldwide, has initiated inquiries with food safety authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong. These countries have banned specific spices from Indian brands MDH and Everest due to quality issues.
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Why MDH and Everest Banned in Singapore and Hongkong?
The Ministry of Commerce has instructed Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong to provide a comprehensive report on the situation. They have also requested information from the Indian companies MDH and Everest, whose products were banned for allegedly containing excessive levels of the pesticide ‘ethylene oxide’.
Ministry action on MDH and Everest Issue ?
A ministry official stated that details are being requested from the companies to determine the root cause of the rejection and take necessary corrective actions. Technical data, analytical reports, and information on the exporters whose shipments were rejected have been requested from the embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Additionally, details have been sought from the Singapore Food Agency, Centre for Food Safety, and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in Hong Kong. An industry consultation is planned to address the mandatory testing of ethylene oxide in spice shipments to these countries.
The Spices Board of India is investigating the ban imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore on the sale of four spice-mix products from Indian brands MDH and Everest. While the Food safety regulator in Hong Kong has advised against purchasing these products, the Singapore Food Agency has issued a recall.
India Spices Export size, In the fiscal year 2022-23, India exported spices worth nearly ₹32,000 crore, with major exports including chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder, and cardamom.
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