Nearly 12 per cent of spice samples tested by Indian authorities failed to meet quality and safety standards, according to data obtained by Reuters. The testing followed contamination concerns that led several countries to take action against two popular spice brands, MDH and Everest.
According to the news agency, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted inspections, sampling, and testing of mixed spice blends after Hong Kong suspended sales of some products from these brands in April due to high levels of pesticides.
This move prompted Britain to tighten controls on all spice imports from India, while countries such as New Zealand, the United States, and Australia launched their own investigations.
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Both MDH and Everest maintain that their products are safe for consumption. Their spices, which are widely used in Europe, Asia, and North America, are among the most popular in India — the world's largest exporter, producer, and consumer of spices.
Data obtained through India’s Right to Information Act shows that 474 out of 4,054 samples tested between May and early July failed to meet quality and safety standards. FSSAI has yet to disclose a brand-wise breakdown of the test results but confirmed that action has been taken against companies found in violation of safety regulations.
"Action on non-conforming samples has been taken as stipulated," the agency said, without elaborating on specific penalties. Despite requests from Reuters for detailed reports on the failed samples, the agency said such information was unavailable.
India's domestic spice market was valued at $10.44 billion in 2022, according to Zion Market Research, with exports of spices and spice products reaching a record $4.46 billion for the fiscal year ended in March 2023.