MDH, Everest row: Why Indian masala kings are under scanner abroad? Explained

livemint.com:

Everest have come under scanner after Hong Kong and Singapore banned their spices due to “quality concerns". The health authorities in both Singapore and Hong Kong found cancer-causing pesticide called “ethylene oxide" in these masalas. It is pertinent to note that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified ethylene oxide as a major carcinogen.

Foods containing pesticide residues are only allowed to be sold if they are safe to eat, according food safety regulations. A CFS spokesperson said violators may be subject to a $50,000 fine and six months in jail. Following this, India's top food regulator the Food and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has decided to conduct sampling of MDH and Everest spices.

The commerce ministry has also directed Indian embassies in both Singapore and Hong Kong along with the spice makers to send a detailed report on the matter. Besides Hong Kong and Singapore, the US custom authorities have also rejected around 31% of the MDH and Everest products in the last six months. Since October 2023, the refusal rate of MDH shipments has doubled from 15% to 31% over salmonella contamination.

The number is equivalent to one-third of all shipments from MDH products categorised as “spices, flavours, and salts", Indian Express reported, referring to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data. Soon after the controversy over ‘quality concerns’ erupted, MDH said its products are safe for consumption, and the company has not received any communication from regulators and authorities in Hong Kong or Singapore about the reported contamination in its products. "We reassure our buyers and consumers that we do not use ethylene oxide at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our