UK’s food watchdog increases scrutiny on Indian spice imports amid contamination concerns

UK – The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) is implementing additional control measures on all spice imports from India following contamination allegations against two prominent brands, MDH and Everest.

This move makes the UK the first country to intensify scrutiny of all Indian spices in response to these concerns.

The increased control measures come after Hong Kong suspended sales of three spice blends from MDH and one from Everest last month.

These products were found to contain high levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide known to be carcinogenic.

Similarly, Singapore has recalled Everest products, while food regulators in New Zealand, the United States, India, and Australia are also investigating the issue.

Both MDH and Everest, two of India’s leading spice brands, maintain that their products are safe for consumption.

The FSA’s action is the most comprehensive crackdown to date, affecting all Indian spice imports.

In light of recent concerns, the FSA stated, “We have applied extra control measures for pesticide residues in spices from India, including ethylene oxide.”

However, the agency did not specify the exact steps being taken.

James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, emphasized that the use of ethylene oxide is prohibited in the UK and that strict maximum residue levels are enforced for herbs and spices.

India’s Spices Board, which oversees spice exports, has not yet commented on the situation. 

As the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, India plays a crucial role in the global spice market.

In 2022, the UK imported $128 million worth of spices, with India contributing nearly $23 million, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity.

MDH and Everest export their products to numerous regions, including the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.

Indian regulators have also begun testing all spice products and inspecting samples from MDH and Everest, but no results have been released to the public yet.

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