US says treatment of spices with ethylene oxide is 'safe' as Hong Kong, Singapore ban some MDH, Everest products
human consumption and a cancer risk with long exposure. According to reports, the health authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong found cancer-causing pesticide “ethylene oxide" in these masalas above the acceptable limits.
On Friday, the US spice body ASTA wrote to Spices Board of India Secretary Dr KG Jagadeesha, offering clarification on the recent reports about ethylene oxide usage in spices exported to the US. It said, "The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) has become aware of recent media reports on the rejection of Indian spices from Singapore and Hong Kong due to the presence of ethylene oxide (ETO) residues." "In light of these recent developments, we are reaching out to offer clarification on ETO and food safety regulations pertaining to spices imported into the United States," news agency ANI reported, citing the letter.
The letter added that the ethylene oxide is currently permitted for use on spices in the US "and prohibiting this critical treatment method has the potential to result in serious unintended implications regarding compliance of Indian spices with US food safety regulations." It said ethylene oxide is an approved antimicrobial fumigant in the US. "Moreover, both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have concluded that consumption of spices treated with EtO is safe," ASTA's letter read.
MDH and Everest products are hugely popular in India. They are also sold in Europe, Asia and North America.
' According to Reuters, the companies refuted allegations and said they are safe. However, India's top food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), asked state food commissioners to collect samples of major spice brands
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