Indian spices row: Singapore and Hong Kong raised the issue!

Indian spices row: The government is in action mode after questions were raised in many countries regarding Indian spices. Several concrete steps have been taken to address complaints related to the carcinogenic chemical ETO (ethylene oxide) in spices exported from India. Indian spice exports are facing global scrutiny after the complaint surfaced. Along with this, regarding Indian spices, the Commerce Ministry said on Wednesday that its rejection rate is very low. Failure of samples is also less.

Question on spices of MDH and Everest

The government has said that several steps have been taken to prevent contamination of the carcinogenic chemical ETO (ethylene oxide) in Indian spices. The steps were taken after reports of the recall of products of two Indian spice brands in Singapore and Hong Kong due to the presence of ETO residues in some spices of Indian brands MDH and Everest. 

The government took many steps

"The Spices Board has taken steps to ensure the safety and quality of Indian spice exports in these areas," Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary in the Commerce Ministry, told reporters here. The Board has made it mandatory to test such export consignments sent to these two countries. A techno-scientific committee has also conducted root cause analysis, inspected processing facilities, and collected samples for testing in accredited laboratories. 

Singapore and Hong Kong raised the issue

He said, 'In response to the recommendations of the Committee, mandatory sampling and testing of ETO residues has been implemented for allspice consignments to Singapore and Hong Kong from May 7, 2024.' He said that the guidelines for ETO treatment have also been reiterated for all exporters. He said that India has also raised the matter with the Codex Committee to decide the limit on the use of ETO as different countries have different limits. 

No standard for the ETO test

Furthermore, there is no standard for ETO testing. India has given a proposal for this. To develop and expand worldwide standards for spices and culinary herbs and to consult with other international organizations in the standards development process, CCSCH (Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs) was formed in 2013 with more than 100 support countries. Sample failure occurs to some extent in food products and sample failure in India is less than one percent. 

Government-issued guidelines

Amid quality concerns raised by some countries over these commodities, the Spices Board has issued comprehensive guidelines for exporters to prevent ethylene oxide contamination in products shipped from India. In the year 2023-24, India's spice exports were to total $4.25 billion, which is 12 percent of global spice exports. Major spices exported from India include chili powder, which tops the list with exports worth $1.3 billion. After this, cumin worth 55 crore dollars, turmeric 22 crore dollars, cardamom 13 crore dollars, mixed spices 11 crore dollars, etc. are included. Other notable exported spices are asafoetida, saffron, fennel, nutmeg, mace, cloves and cinnamon.