Bengaluru, Indian spice giants MDH and Everest are currently under investigation in several countries following the discovery of carcinogenic elements in their products, reminiscent of a recent scandal involving Indian-made cough syrups.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this issue has prompted regulatory actions from nations including Australia, New Zealand, and the US, following initial concerns raised by Hong Kong authorities. The ongoing investigations mirror earlier incidents, such as a 2023 recall by the US Food and Drug Administration of Everest’s spice mixes and a 2019 recall of some MDH products due to salmonella contamination.
Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety found ethylene oxide, a potentially cancer-causing pesticide, in several spice products from these manufacturers, leading to immediate recalls. The Singapore Food Agency followed suit by recalling Everest’s Fish Curry Masala and warned against consuming the affected products, citing long-term health risks from ethylene oxide, though noting that the immediate risk from low-level contamination remains low.
The varying international standards for acceptable levels of ethylene oxide in spices, as noted by India’s Spice Board, complicate the compliance landscape for exporters. The widespread use of chemical pesticides in Indian agriculture, which has significantly increased over recent years, frequently results in residue in food products, highlighting ongoing challenges in food safety and public health.