Following reports of Singapore and Hong Kong imposing bans on spice imports from Indian brands MDH and Everest, India, renowned as the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, has initiated steps to address the matter.
India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has sought detailed replies regarding the issue from its embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as from the Singapore Food Agency and the Centre for Food Safety and Hong Kong’s Food & Environmental Hygiene Department.
Government sources indicate that India has sought technical details, analytical reports, and information on the exporters whose shipments have faced rejection. The banned products are allegedly found to contain pesticide ‘ethylene oxide’ beyond permissible limits.
In addition to seeking details from the companies mentioned in media reports, India aims to ascertain the underlying causes of rejection and initiate necessary corrective actions in collaboration with the concerned exporters.
Furthermore, an industry consultation is planned to address the issue of mandatory testing of ETO (Ethylene Oxide) in spice shipments destined for Singapore and Hong Kong.
While the Food Safety Regulator of Hong Kong advises consumers against purchasing these products and urges traders not to sell them, the Singapore Food Agency has mandated a recall of the affected items.