Indian spices under fire for high pesticide levels

By Rita Cardeira

New Delhi, May 17 (EFE).- India’s reputation as global spice superpower is under scrutiny over safety concerns due to exceeding levels of pesticides found in spices packaged by two renowned Indian companies, MDH and Everest.

Multiple investigations have been initiated in Hong Kong, Singapore, Nepal, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to check the alleged elevated levels of a cancer-causing pesticide in Indian packaged spices.

The first investigation came to light on April 28 when Hong Kong’s food regulatory agency warned sellers and consumers after analyzing three products exported by MDH and one by Everest.

The Hong Kong regulator found traces of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide, in various curry mixes from these brands.

The warning had a domino effect on the manufacturers, leading to bans and negative reactions in Hong Kong, Singapore, and more recently, the Nepalese markets.

This week, the United Kingdom announced its decision to implement «additional control measures» on all spices imported from India and on the presence of ethylene oxide, without revealing details about the measures.

MDH defended itself, asserting that it does not use ethylene oxide at any stage of spice production. «Our products meet strict health and safety standards both in India and internationally,» the company said in a statement.

B.N. Jha, the marketing director of the Indian Spice Board, avoided confirming or denying the alleged toxicity of the spices. However, he assured that pesticide limits are decided and reviewed «based on field test data and their impact on human health.»

«Indian herbs and spices are allowed less than 0.2 percent pesticide residues, which is what importing countries permit. It should also be noted that some countries allow certain pesticide residues that are permitted locally but not in India,» he told EFE.

According to Jha, exports have not decreased.

«Compared to last year, we have seen an increase in exports. In 2023, we achieved $3.9 billion, and so far this year, we are already approaching $4.4 billion,» he said.

This represents a 15 percent increase in export value and a 12 percent increase in volume, although the effect of the investigations on exports remains to be seen.

Food consultant B. Kumar told EFE that «small and medium-sized farmers may face income instability due to fluctuating demand and the costs associated with implementing new safety measures.»

Chili powder, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron are among the main spices exported by India, the largest producer and also the largest consumer in the world.

“The global reputation of Indian spices could be damaged, affecting consumer confidence and brand loyalty, so restoring their image may take a long time,» Kumar said.

Furthermore, long-standing trade relations, such as those India has with Hong Kong and Singapore, «will be affected as importing countries of Indian spices will not stop imposing stricter import standards, nor will they lift their temporary bans,» he said.

Kumar said the Indian government must implement “robust traceability systems for spices from farm to export, ensuring that any contamination can be quickly identified and addressed.”

«Indian producers could collaborate with international food safety organizations to improve their processes and regain market trust,» he said.

The European Union also expressed its concerns after discovering the same carcinogenic substance in samples of Indian chilis and peppercorns.

Other important markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Australia have initiated investigations. EFE

rlc-igr-ssk