Recent tests have revealed that 12% of spice samples from India do not meet required safety and quality standards, according to a Reuters report. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted these tests in response to contamination concerns involving two major spice brands, MDH and Everest.
The scrutiny follows Hong Kong’s suspension of MDH and Everest products due to ethylene oxide contamination. This has led to tighter regulations on Indian spice imports by Britain, with Australia, the US, and New Zealand also investigating the issue.
Data obtained under the Right to Information Act revealed that 474 out of 4,054 spice samples tested between May and early July failed to meet safety standards. Although the FSSAI confirmed it is taking legal action against the involved companies, no specific brand breakdown was provided.
India’s spice market, valued at USD 10.44 billion in 2022, saw record exports of USD 4.46 billion in the 2023–24 fiscal year. The FSSAI assured that while brand-specific results were not disclosed, appropriate measures are being taken to address the contamination issues.
