London, In a significant move to safeguard public health, the United Kingdom has ramped up its scrutiny of all spice imports from India amidst growing global concerns over contamination. The British Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced the imposition of stringent measures following the detection of pesticide residues, particularly ethylene oxide, which is banned in the UK.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the FSA’s decision reflects broader international apprehensions, as similar concerns have prompted actions in other countries. Hong Kong recently banned and recalled specific spices from Indian brands Everest and MDH due to contamination, while Singapore recalled Everest’s fish curry spice mix. The United States, New Zealand, and Australia are also conducting their own investigations into these products.

James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “The use of ethylene oxide is not allowed here and maximum residue levels are in place for herbs and spices.” This chemical, used to control bacteria during the processing of spices, has been linked to cancer, prompting rigorous regulatory responses.

Further compounding the issue, a BBC report highlighted that an average of 14.5% of US shipments of MDH spices have been rejected since 2021 due to the presence of bacteria. Additionally, in April, the Hong Kong food safety watchdog banned four spice products from the Indian brands MDH and Everest after detecting cancer-causing chemicals, specifically ethylene oxide.

The contamination concerns have not only affected trade between India and Western nations but also extended to neighboring countries. In May, Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control took decisive action by banning the import, consumption, and sale of these two Indian spice brands.

The UK’s comprehensive response underscores a commitment to ensuring that all food products, particularly imported spices, meet strict safety standards to protect consumers. This development signals a potentially challenging period for Indian spice exporters as they navigate enhanced regulatory scrutiny worldwide.