The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has expanded its probe amid questions raised over the quality of the spice. FSSAI has ordered testing and inspection in all spice manufacturing companies. The country’s food safety regulator said in a statement – each sample product will be analyzed for quality and safety standards etc. FSSAI also said that spices will be tested for presence of ethylene oxide. After its examination, appropriate action will be initiated as per the circumstances.
Contents
Why is the investigation being done?
Let us tell you that questions have been raised about the quality of India’s MDH and Everest spices in Hong Kong and Singapore. In April, Hong Kong’s food safety regulator banned the sale of four spice products from the two companies. Along with this, an advisory has also been issued for the customers.
What did Hong Kong’s food safety regulator say?
Hong Kong’s food safety regulator Center for Food Safety (CFS) said in a statement on April 5 that it found pesticide ‘ethylene oxide’ above the permissible limit in samples of two Indian brands of various canned spice products. CFS has asked consumers not to buy these products. At the same time, in view of the CFS order, the Singapore Food Agency directed the return of the products.
Which products were banned?
The products that have been banned include Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Madras Curry Powder (spice mix for Madras Curry), MDH Sambar Masala Mixed Masala Powder and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder.