Due to concerns over quality, two well-known Indian spice brands were banned in Singapore and Hong Kong

Due to product adulteration, two Indian spice companies have recently made headlines and been banned in Singapore and Hong Kong. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies ethylene oxide as a category 1 carcinogen, and MDH and Everest spice mixes have come under fire for having higher than allowed levels of this compound.

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong sent a press statement stating that samples were taken from three retail locations in Tsim Sha Tsui, respectively, for testing as part of the organization’s 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 anomalies and given instructions to cease sales and remove the impacted items from the shelves.
Ethylene oxide is a chemical that is used as a pesticide, to create antifreeze, and to clean medical equipment, according to the National Cancer Institute. It is also present in tobacco smoke, which raises the risk of cancer and has long-term negative health effects.

On April 5, the CFS declared a prohibition. Furthermore, Everest Group’s “Fish Curry Masala” was recalled by the Singapore Food Agency on April 18 for similar pesticide concerns. In total, four goods have been removed from Singaporean and Hong Kong markets by the authorities, pending more investigation: MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder.

The Food Safety and Standards regulator of India (FSSAI), India’s own food safety regulator, has declared its intention to conduct in-depth quality evaluations of all the items in issue in reaction to this prohibition. It is also said that the Indian Spices Board is investigating the underlying reason for the prohibition.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration revoked two of Everest’s spice mixes in 2023 after they tested positive for Salmonella, according to Reuter’s, despite the fact that these occurrences have created quite a commotion. Everest has previously been investigated for health-related reasons.

Spices are not only a 32,000 crore export industry for India; they also have a significant cultural role in the country. Not only are MDH and Everest well-known in India, but they are also adored by the Indian diaspora residing in the UK, USA, Australia, the Middle East, and other countries. Even though there are just four spice blends under investigation for now, it has raised questions about their wide range of goods, and many consumers are now unsure about their favorite spice brands until more testing is finished.