India conducts inspections on MDH, Everest amid contamination concerns

India has initiated inspections at the facilities of spice makers MDH and Everest following allegations of contamination, prompted by Hong Kong's suspension of sales for certain products due to purportedly high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.

Hong Kong's decision to halt sales of three MDH spice blends and an Everest spice mix for fish curries has raised concerns, with Singapore also ordering a recall of the Everest spice mix over health risks associated with ethylene oxide, deemed unfit for human consumption.

MDH and Everest spices hold popularity not only in India but also in global markets, including Europe, Asia, and North America.

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The export value of these spices amounted to $4 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23, according to the Spices Board, India's regulatory authority for the industry.

The recent developments have pressured Indian authorities to deepen inspections at the production facilities of these companies to ensure compliance with quality standards.

Responding to the contamination allegations, the Spices Board issued a statement confirming the initiation of thorough inspections at the exporter facilities of MDH and Everest.

The board is collaborating with relevant authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore to gather data on exports from these companies and identify the root cause of the issue.

Additionally, mandatory testing for ethylene oxide in spice consignments bound for Singapore and Hong Kong has been instituted, with strict monitoring protocols extended to shipments to other countries to mitigate the risk of contamination.

While Everest reassured consumers of the safety of its spices, saying that its products undergo necessary clearances and approvals from the laboratories of the Spice Board of India before export, MDH has not stated the matter.

(With inputs from Reuters)