Spices exports to Hon Kong, Singapore to undergo mandatory testing
Singapore and Hong Kong.
ETO is a pesticide classified as a carcinogen.
The move follows a ban imposed by the two countries on certain spices exported by Indian brands MDH and Everest. Singapore and Hong Kong have alleged the presence of ETO in certain spices exported by the two companies. The government also said spice consignments to other countries will also be strictly monitored for the presence of ETO.
The decision was taken after the commerce and industry ministry and the Spices Board met industry stakeholders, officials said.
At present, spice exports to these countries are subject to mandatory testing for a carcinogen, Aflatoxin, and a dye, Sudan I-IV. However, ETO testing is mandatory for consignments meant for the EU and the UK. «We have put in place systems for mandatory ETO testing in spice consignments destined for Singapore and Hong Kong. We met industry before implementing the mandatory standards and sought the opinion of the exporter community,» said an official.
The action was taken after Singapore alleged the presence of ETO at levels exceeding the permissible limit in Everest's Fish Curry Masala, while Hong Kong claimed to have detected the pesticide in three of MDH products-Madras Curry Powder, Mixed Masala Powder and Sambhar Masala-besides Everest's Fish Curry Masala.
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