Industry Consultation on Ethylene Oxide Testing
Ministry Considers Mandatory Testing for Spice Shipments Days after Hong Kong and Singapore banned the sale of the two popular Indian spice brands in the country – MDH and Everest – over their quality concerns, the Centre- testing ethylene oxide levels in spice shipments bound for Singapore and Hong Kong.
Investigation into Spice Bans
Spices Board Probes MDH and Everest Product Bans
Simultaneously, the Spices Board of India is actively investigating the recent bans imposed by Singapore and Hong Kong on four spice-mix products under the Indian brands MDH and Everest.
Recall and Consumer Advisories
Regulatory Response to Contaminated Spice Products
Following these bans, Hong Kong’s food safety regulator has issued advisories urging consumers to avoid purchasing these products, while the Singapore Food Agency has issued a directive for their recall from the market.
Significant Spice Exports
Indian Spice Industry Exports in 2022-23 Fiscal Year
During the fiscal year 2022-23, India exported spices valued at nearly ₹32,000 crore. Major exports include chilli, cumin, spice oil, oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder, and cardamom.