Govt Prepared To Revoke Licenses Of Spice Makers If Found Guilty: Report

The government official further mentioned in the report that the test findings are anticipated within the upcoming 15 days

The government is ready to revoke the spice manufacturers' licenses without hesitation if they are found to be violating the prescribed limits for pesticide residue in packaged products, A senior official told Business Standard on Friday. The official mentioned that results from the tests are anticipated within 15 days.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), equipped with 237 testing laboratories, has gathered over 1,500 spice samples nationwide. Presently, these samples are undergoing comprehensive testing for various parameters such as chemicals, microbes, mycotoxins, Sudan dye, and an extensive range of 234 pesticides, including Ethylene Oxide (ETO).

READ: US Food Regulator Investigating Indian Spices Amid Contamination Concerns: Report

On April 25, the food regulator initiated comprehensive quality assessments on spices available in the market. This action followed alerts from the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong and the Singapore Food Agency regarding the detection of Ethylene Oxide (ETO) in samples of pre-packaged spice mix products from two Indian brands.

Previously, an FSSAI official told the publication, “Pesticides like ETO are used for fumigation purposes to aid storage of these products. Ideally, products meant for exports should not be directed to the domestic market.”

The report revealed that the regulator had obtained samples from every spice manufacturer in India. In a letter addressed to the Spice Board of India on Friday, the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) clarified that US regulations allow for the utilisation of ETO treatment on imported spices and spice products, provided that residues conform to the specified limits.

“Prohibiting this critical treatment method has the potential to result in serious unintended implications regarding the compliance of Indian spices with US food safety regulations,” states the letter addressed to the Spice Board of India, as per the report.

Additionally, the regulator is currently examining samples of baby food. The government official further mentioned in the report that the test findings are anticipated within the upcoming 15 days.

Following an investigative report by Swiss NGO Public Eye, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) instructed the FSSAI to examine the sugar content of baby food. The NGO had accused global packaged foods giant Nestle of incorporating sugar as sucrose or honey into its Nido and Cerelac product lines sold across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, Nestle India has dismissed these allegations.