India seeks 'root cause of rejection' from Singapore, Hong Kong over ban on Everest, MDH masala
PTI's report citing an official, the commerce ministry has sought technical details, analytical reports and the details of the exporters whose consignments have been rejected. Details from Singapore Food Agency and Centre for Food Safety, and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Hong Kong have also been sought, the official said.
The ministry official, according to the report, said that an industry consultation is also scheduled to discuss the issue of mandatory testing of ethylene oxide in spice shipments to Singapore and Hong Kong. India is world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices.
The Spices Board of India is also looking into the ban. The Food safety regulator of Hong Kong has asked consumers not to buy these products and traders not to sell, while the Singapore Food Agency has directed a recall of the products.
In 2022-23 fiscal, India exported spices worth nearly ₹32,000 crore. Chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder and cardamom are major spices exported from India.
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