FSSAI to test spice mixes in India, after action by Singapore, Hong Kong

New Delhi: India’s apex food regulator has directed all states to carry out random testing of sample of powdered spices sold by various brands to determine if they contain harmful chemicals, The Indian Express reported.

The Food Safety and Standards of Authority India (FSSAI)’s move stems from recent banning of two major Indian spice brands MDH and Everest by Singapore and Hong Kong after finding cancer-causing chemicals in their spice mixes.

After detecting high levels of ethylene oxide, classified carcinogenic chemical, both the countries withdrew four spice mixes from shelves.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety of the similar products sold by various brands across the country.

Ethylene oxide is reportedly used by manufacturers as a fumigant and a germicide to extend shelf life of spices, which FSSAI does not allow.

The official who knew the details reportedly said that a ‘consolidated report on spices’ will be released in 25 days.

“Samples of spice mixes from all brands will be collected to test for the presence of ethylene oxide. While exported food items do not fall under the purview of FSSAI, it is our job to ensure that products consumed by the Indian population are safe. So, we decided to check whether this contaminant is present in products available in the Indian market as well,” The Indian Express quoted an official as saying.

The official made it clear that if manufacturers are found guilty action would be taken as per the Food Safety Act.

The International Agency for Research classified ethylene oxide as a Group I carcinogen meaning it is found to be causing cancer in humans, according to Kanika Narang, nutritionist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

This sweet-smelling colourless and highly inflammable gas is used in spice mixes to reduce microbial contamination from E.coli and Salmonella. Made from fossil fuels such as petroleum or natural gas, it kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The chemical is used in manufacturing synthetic chemicals, polymers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, glycols, solvents, adhesives and detergents or fumigants.

Ethylene oxide was allowed in Germany until 1981 for plant protection and as a disinfectant, and in the rest of the European Union (EU) until 1991.