The UK has introduced an ‘additional security layer’ for all Indian spice imports following reports of contamination.
The latest development involves India’s Commerce and Industry Ministry initiating an inquiry into allegations of certain spices manufactured by Indian companies, including MDH and Everest, being banned.
Britain’s food watchdog announced on Wednesday that it has implemented additional control measures on all spice imports from India, becoming the first to enhance scrutiny of all Indian spices following contamination allegations against the two brands. These allegations have raised concerns among global food regulators.
Last month, Hong Kong suspended sales of three MDH spice blends and one Everest blend due to high levels of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide. Singapore also ordered a recall of the Everest blend, and New Zealand, the United States, India, and Australia have since indicated they are investigating issues related to the two brands.
MDH and Everest, two of India’s most popular spice brands, assert that their products are safe for consumption.
In the most stringent crackdown to date affecting all Indian spices, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated that it has “applied extra control measures for pesticide residues in spices from India which includes ethylene oxide.” However, the agency did not specify the exact measures being taken.
“The use of ethylene oxide is not allowed in the UK, and maximum residue levels are established for herbs and spices,” James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, said in a statement to Reuters.
India is the largest exporter, consumer, and producer of spices globally. In 2022, Britain imported $128 million worth of spices, with India accounting for almost $23 million, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity. MDH and Everest export their products to regions including the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
Indian regulators have tested various spice products and inspected samples from MDH and Everest. However, the report has not yet been made public.
Since 2021, MDH has seen an average of 14.5% of its US shipments rejected due to the presence of salmonella bacteria, a Reuters analysis of US FDA data revealed. On Wednesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency stated it was aware of concerns surrounding MDH and Everest products and “continues to monitor the situation.”
“Based on current information, we have no evidence to suggest that the issues raised affect products currently in the Canadian market,” the agency added.
