The Bharatiya government has taken stringent measures against leading spice exporters Everest and MDH after tests revealed elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing chemical, in products sent to Singapore and Hong Kong.
However, the reports prompted recalls and bans in these markets. Ethylene oxide, used to sterilize spices, poses significant health risks if residue levels exceed safety limits.
The Spices Board of India, established in 1987, remains central to promoting exports and ensuring compliance with global standards. In response, they mandated ethylene oxide testing for all spices exported to these regions, aligning with measures introduced for Europe in 2022.
While Hong Kong completely prohibits this chemical in food, Singapore permits up to 50 parts per million. The European Union’s limits are stricter, ranging from 0.02 to 0.1 mg per kilo.
Despite no global standard for ethylene oxide limits, these actions aim to safeguard consumer health and ensure market access. Industry consultations have been pivotal in aligning practices with international norms.
Bharatiya spice exports remain robust, growing from $3.76 billion in FY23 to $4.25 billion in FY24. With a minimal failure rate of 0.2%, Bharat’s spices continue to hold a significant position in the global market.
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