Masala Controversy: After Hongkong Ban, US Initiates Inquiry Into Indian Spice Products Amid Pesticides Concerns- Check Details

Masala Controversy: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated an inquiry into the products of Indian spice manufacturers MDH and Everest following reports of potential contamination. This action comes after Hong Kong suspended sales of certain products from these companies, alleging the presence of high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide, Reuters reported.

FDA Response and InvestigationAn FDA spokesperson confirmed with Reuters that they are actively gathering additional information. This move underscores the FDA's commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food products available in the U.S. market.

Allegations and International ResponseHong Kong recently suspended sales of three MDH spice blends and an Everest spice mix, citing concerns over elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a substance deemed unfit for human consumption and associated with cancer risks. Similarly, Singapore ordered a recall of the Everest spice mix due to similar contamination fears.

Despite these allegations, both MDH and Everest have yet to provide official statements in response to requests for comment from Reuters. Everest has previously maintained the safety of its spices for consumption, while MDH's stance remains unclear.

Global Reach and Regulatory OversightMDH and Everest spices are widely popular in India and are also exported to Europe, Asia, and North America. In response to the international scrutiny, India's food regulatory authorities, including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Spices Board, have launched investigations into the quality standards of these companies.

The Spices Board disclosed its efforts to gather export data from Hong Kong and Singapore authorities while collaborating with MDH and Everest to identify the root cause of the quality issues. Concurrently, inspections have commenced at the manufacturing plants of these companies to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Past Incidents and RecallsThis is not the first instance of scrutiny faced by MDH. In 2019, certain batches of MDH products were recalled in the U.S. due to salmonella contamination, underscoring the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food industry.