News: Spices will not be exported without ETO testing, a big step by the Government of India!

Ethylene Oxide Test: All spices and ready-to-eat food items exported from India to Singapore and Hong Kong will be sent to these countries only after passing the ETO (Ethylene Oxide) test. The Spices Board of the Government of India has issued this order. The Spices Board of the Government of India has taken this big step after Singapore and Hong Kong sent back the spices of two big Indian brands after finding ETHYLENE OXIDE in them.

No export without an Ethylene Oxide test

All the spices exported to these two countries will first undergo a 'Mandatory' Ethylene Oxide Test in the country and only then they will be sent to these countries. Spices Board also said in its order that the maximum amount of Ethylene Oxide in any food item in Singapore is 50 ppm and in Hong Kong, it is zero, that is, Indian companies will be able to send spices and other ready-to-eat products sent to Hong Kong only after Lab Test. Ethylene Oxide will not be detected at all.

Big step by the Indian government

Similarly, Indian companies can send spices and ready-to-eat foods to Singapore only if they contain less than 50 ppm Ethylene Oxide. Spices Board's order for Mandatory ETO test of spices and other ready-to-eat food items sent from India to Singapore and Hong Kong will come into effect from May 6.

Spices Board approval required

The Spices Board also said in the order that when the Spices Board will approve the test report of spices and ready-to-eat food items. Only then will Indian companies be able to export them to Singapore and Hong Kong?

Hong Kong and Singapore have banned the sale of popular brands MDH and Everest after the detection of the cancer-causing chemical ethylene oxide in the products. After this, the Spices Board of the Government of India has taken this step.