New Delhi:
ETO (Ethylene Oxide) was not present in the samples taken for spices available in the Indian market. After raising questions about the presence of MDH and Everest spices and ETO in Singapore and Hong Kong, FSSAI took samples of the spices for testing. Nine samples were taken from two manufacturing units of Everest Spices. While 25 samples were taken from 11 manufacturing units of MDH.
Out of a total of 34 samples taken, 28 have been reported as having no presence of ETO. At the same time, the presence of ETO was not detected in any of the 300 samples of other brands of spices. On other criteria too, spices available in the Indian market have passed the test. On April 22, all food commissioners in the country were ordered to take samples of spices.
Exports of spices may be affected
The Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS) said on Friday that if the issue of presence of ethylene oxide (ETO) in spices is not resolved soon, spice exports may decline by around 40 per cent during the current financial year. India’s spice exports totaled $4.25 billion in FY 2023-24, FISS Secretary Tejas Gandhi said, ‘Many exporters have received orders and after that they got some relief. According to our estimates, spice exports may be affected by up to 40 percent this year if the problem is not resolved quickly.
Nepal has banned Indian spices due to quality concerns
Following Singapore and Hong Kong, Nepal also banned the import and sale of some spice products from Indian companies over alleged quality concerns on Friday due to suspected ethylene oxide or ETO contamination, including MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Sambar Masala Powder and Mixed Masala Curry Powder and Everest’s Fish Curry Masala. Banned.
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