Govt Orders Mandatory Ethylene Oxide Testing for Spice Exports to Hong Kong, Singapore

New Delhi: The Spices Board of India has introduced mandatory testing for ethylene oxide (ETO) in spice shipments bound for Singapore and Hong Kong. This comes in response to the recent recall of products from MDH and Everest brands in these countries due to quality concerns.

In a statement, the Spices Board stated it is collaborating with exporters whose shipments have been recalled to identify the root cause of the issue and propose corrective actions. Under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the board is also conducting thorough inspections at exporter facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Reports suggest that Singapore and Hong Kong banned certain MDH and Everest spices after discovering ETO levels exceeding permissible limits. ETO, a sterilizing agent used in food materials, poses health risks upon exposure. The Spices Board emphasized its stringent protocols and guidelines for ETO residue.

Indian authorities are actively seeking further information on the matter. The commerce ministry has requested detailed reports from Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as from MDH and Everest regarding the banned products.

Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety detected ETO in four products, including three MDH spice blends (Madras Curry powder, Mixed Masala powder, and Sambhar Masala) and Everest Fish Curry Masala.

Following the ban in Hong Kong, Singapore also recalled Everest Fish Curry Masala due to the presence of the carcinogenic agent.