US Food Regulator Investigating Indian Spices Amid Contamination Concerns: Report

Hong Kong authorities have temporarily suspended the sale of three spice blends from MDH and an Everest spice mix specifically used for fish curries

MDH and Everest spices enjoy widespread popularity not only in India but also in regions across Europe, Asia, and North America ( Image Source :Getty, MDH Website )

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reportedly initiated a comprehensive data collection process concerning the products manufactured by Indian spice producers MDH and Everest. This action follows Hong Kong's decision to suspend the sale of certain products from these companies, citing allegations of elevated levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.

"The FDA is aware of the reports and is gathering additional information about the situation," an FDA spokesperson told the news agency Reuters on Friday.

In recent developments, Hong Kong authorities have temporarily suspended the sale of three spice blends from MDH and an Everest spice mix specifically used for fish curries. Additionally, Singapore has mandated a recall of the Everest spice mix due to its detection of elevated levels of ethylene oxide. This compound is deemed unsuitable for human consumption and poses a potential risk of cancer upon prolonged exposure.

Everest has previously asserted the safety of its spice products for consumption, maintaining their suitability for culinary use. However, MDH has yet to provide any response or comment regarding inquiries made regarding its products.

MDH and Everest spices enjoy widespread popularity not only in India but also in regions across Europe, Asia, and North America. In light of recent actions taken by authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore, India's food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has initiated an assessment of the quality standards upheld by these two companies.

The Spices Board of India, the governmental regulatory body overseeing spice exports, announced on Wednesday that it had formally requested information regarding the exports of MDH and Everest from authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore. Additionally, the board stated that it is working with the companies to identify the "root cause" of the quality concerns, and inspections have commenced at their manufacturing facilities.

Meanwhile, in 2019, some batches of MDH's products were recalled in the US due to contamination with salmonella.