India, a global leader in spice production and export, is scrambling for answers after food safety authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong banned certain products from two of its most recognized spice brands, MDH and Everest. The commerce ministry has initiated an investigation, reaching out to both countries' regulators and the Indian embassies in those regions.
The crux of the issue lies in alleged quality concerns. Food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore reportedly detected the presence of ethylene oxide, a pesticide classified as a carcinogen, in some MDH and Everest spice mixes exceeding permissible limits.
Following these findings, Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety issued a public notice advising consumers against purchasing three MDH spice products - Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder - and one Everest product - Fish Curry Masala. Singapore's Food Agency, on the other hand, directed a recall of the affected products.
The Indian government's response has been swift. The commerce ministry is seeking detailed information from the food safety regulators in Singapore and Hong Kong. This includes technical details of the testing procedures, analytical reports on the specific products that failed inspections, and details of the Indian exporters whose shipments were rejected.
The Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong have also been tasked with providing comprehensive reports on the situation. This includes not only the technical aspects of the bans but also the potential impact on Indian spice exports to these regions.
The commerce ministry is determined to identify the "root cause of rejection," as an official stated. Collaboration with the spice companies, MDH and Everest, is also underway. The ministry seeks details from the companies themselves to understand potential issues in the production process and determine corrective actions.
This incident has the potential to tarnish the reputation of Indian spices in international markets. India is the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, and maintaining high-quality standards is crucial for retaining its dominant position.
The outcome of the investigation will be keenly watched by stakeholders across the Indian spice industry. The ability to address the concerns raised by Singapore and Hong Kong will not only determine the fate of the banned products but also set a precedent for future spice exports.