Indian spice brands in a pickle as world questions cancer causing ingredient

India’s reputation as a top global spice producer is currently under threat due to serious health concerns arising from the contamination of spice blends with harmful chemicals.

International recalls trigger widespread concern

The global concern over Indian spices intensified last month when Hong Kong and Singapore took significant action against Indian spice brands MDH and Everest.

Hong Kong suspended the sale of three MDH spice blends and one Everest fish curry mix, while Singapore recalled the Everest mix due to excessive levels of ethylene oxide—a chemical that poses serious cancer risks with long-term exposure.

This chemical, used primarily for sterilization purposes, is not fit for human consumption and its discovery in spice blends has raised alarms about safety standards in the Indian spice industry.

Exports at risk

According to the Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India exported approximately $692.5 million worth of spices to the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and the Maldives in the financial year 2023-24.

GTRI report said,

If China — influenced by actions in Hong Kong and Asean based on the precedents set by Singapore — decides to implement similar measures, Indian spice exports could see a dramatic downturn. The potential repercussions could affect exports worth $2.17 billion, representing 51.1 per cent of India’s global spice exports.

Comprehensive national response to spice safety scares

Reacting to the international backlash, India’s food safety authority, FSSAI, has escalated its regulatory measures by ordering comprehensive testing and inspections across all spice manufacturing units in the country.

This initiative focuses on powdered spices, especially those used in curry powders and mixed spice blends, which are produced for both the domestic market and export.

The inspections are aimed at verifying compliance with strict quality and safety parameters, with special attention to the presence of ethylene oxide, which is banned in India.

The potential fallout for India’s spice trade

As the world’s largest exporter, producer, and consumer of spices, with a domestic market valued at approximately $10.44 billion in 2022, the implications of these findings are profound for India.

The current crisis could lead to a decrease in global market share if consumer confidence is shaken. U.S. and Australian food authorities are also examining the situation, which could lead to broader export restrictions or demands for stricter compliance with international safety standards.

Regulatory bodies and manufacturers under pressure

The Indian Spices Board and FSSAI are now under significant pressure to provide transparent and effective solutions to these problems.

Increased scrutiny from international food safety organizations necessitates urgent actions from both governmental bodies and spice manufacturers to address these safety breaches comprehensively.

What are the spice companies saying?

MDH and Everest, the brands at the center of the controversy, have publicly reassured their consumers of the safety of their products.

MDH’s statement highlighted their non-use of ethylene oxide at any production stage, asserting compliance with national safety regulations.

However, these assurances have not entirely alleviated concerns, as regulatory bodies continue to investigate and respond to the potential health risks.

Future directions: Enhancing spice safety standards

To restore and maintain consumer trust, Indian spice manufacturers may need to implement more rigorous safety measures and adhere to international health and safety standards more strictly.

This includes better supply chain management, improved testing protocols, and more transparent communication with both regulators and the public.

The industry must also work closely with global food safety agencies to ensure that all exported products meet the required safety standards, preventing future health scares and sanctions.

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