The US FDA is collecting data on MDH and Everest spice products in light of concerns about carcinogenic pesticides

NEW DELHI: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to launch an investigation into goods from spice makers MDH and Everest after Hong Kong decided to stop selling some of them because of suspected high concentrations of a carcinogenic pesticide.

An FDA representative told Reuters on Friday that the agency “is aware of the reports and is gathering additional information about the situation.”

The sales of three MDH spice blends and one Everest spice mix for fish curries were halted earlier this month in Hong Kong. Similarly, Singapore ordered the Everest spice mix to be recalled due to high quantities of ethylene oxide, which is considered dangerous for ingestion by humans and may cause cancer if exposed to high doses over time.

The CFS declared on April 5 that ethylene oxide had been found in three spice mixes from the MDH Group: Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder. This discovery was made as a result of normal monitoring operations. According to the CFS, “Three retail locations in Tsim Sha Tsui provided the samples listed above, which the CFS collected for testing as part of its regular Food Surveillance Program. According to the test findings, ethylene oxide, a pesticide, was present in the samples. The merchants in question have been notified by the CFS of the abnormalities and given instructions to cease sales and remove the impacted items from the shelves.”
According to the CFS study, the sale of food containing pesticide residue for human consumption is permitted only if its consumption poses no health risks. This rule was broken by the spice items’ ethylene oxide content, which is why the food safety watchdog acted right away.
In response to quality concerns raised by Singapore and Hong Kong, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said on Monday that it has begun accepting samples of spices in powder form from all brands, including MDH and Everest, from all throughout the nation. This information was provided by a government source.
“In view of the current development, FSSAI is taking samples of spices of all brands, including MDH and Everest, from the market to check whether they meet the FSSAI norms,” a source told PTI.
These sample activities are frequently carried out by the authority, which operates under the ministry of health and family welfare, in order to evaluate the quality of items that are offered in the domestic market. The source did note that FSSAI does not control the quality of spices meant for export, however.