Indian Spices Declared Safe: No Ethylene Oxide Found, Reports Food Regulator

New Delhi: In response to international concerns about a potential carcinogen in some Indian spices, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved numerous spice samples from the MDH and Everest brands.

According to the analysis report, the extensive testing found no traces of ethylene oxide (ETO) in the samples collected from several states.

Sources indicate that the FSSAI conducted tests on samples in 28 accredited laboratories, with results from six laboratories still pending.

The food safety authority took measures after reports that Hong Kong and Singapore had prohibited specific spice mixes from MDH and Everest—including MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder, and Everest's Fish Curry Masala—due to excessive levels of ethylene oxide, surpassing safe limits. The rigorous process of testing for ethylene oxide was performed at NABL-accredited laboratories notified by the FSSAI.

Starting April 22, an extensive nationwide effort was launched by FSSAI along with all state and Union Territory food safety commissioners and regional directors. This operation focused on thorough inspections of spice manufacturing facilities, and involved collecting and testing samples of spices intended for sale and distribution in the local market.

The food regulator also picked up 300 spice samples of other brands for testing and found "no presence of ETO".

The testing process began after several countries started monitoring spice products manufactured by Indian spice giants MDH and Everest over the alleged presence of a ‘cancer-causing’ agent. Food regulators in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand warned against using certain products from MDH and Everest over the presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding the permissible limit".

The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, had said that all spice consignments would be accompanied by a cleared analytical report for ETO issued by the Spices Board.

Both MDH and Everest have said their products are safe for consumption.