On Tuesday, Indian manufacturer Everest Food Products reassured consumers that their spices are safe for consumption, after Singapore and Hong Kong raised concerns about allegedly high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide found in one of their products. The companies have been popular choices in Indian kitchens for years, serving as popular choices for spices in homes and restaurants. They also export their products to various countries including the US, Europe, the Middle East, and the UK.
Singapore’s food agency reported that products containing high levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide known to potentially lead to cancer, were being sold by two popular Indian brands: MDH and Everest Food Products. The fish curry spice mix from MDH was advised against by Singapore and Hong Kong suspended the sale of three other items from the brand.
Despite these accusations, Everest maintained that the specific item being examined was safe to consume, as exports are only cleared after receiving necessary approvals from the laboratories of the Spice Board of India. However, MDH has yet to respond to the allegations. The Spices Board of India has requested further details from both companies on their quality checks.
In response to these concerns, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India instructed all states to collect samples of powdered spices and conduct random testing. A consolidated report is expected in the coming weeks. Both companies are working hard to maintain consumer confidence and ensure the safety of spice products on the market.
