HYDERABAD: Nearly 12% of spice samples tested by Indian authorities did not meet quality and safety standards, according to data obtained by Reuters. This testing was conducted after several countries raised concerns about contamination risks in two major spice brands.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India carried out inspections and testing of mixed spice blends following Hong Kong’s suspension of some MDH and Everest brand products in April due to high pesticide levels.
Subsequently, Britain imposed stricter controls on all spice imports from India, while New Zealand, the United States, and Australia also began reviewing issues related to these brands.
MDH and Everest have maintained that their products are safe for consumption. These brands are highly popular in India, the world’s largest producer, exporter, and consumer of spices, and are distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America.
According to the data obtained through India’s Right to Information Act, 474 out of 4,054 spice samples tested between May and early July failed to meet quality and safety standards.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India informed Reuters that while it did not provide specific brand breakdowns, it is taking action against companies whose products did not meet the required standards.
The agency noted that it is enforcing penalties as per Indian law for non-compliance but did not provide further details on the specific cases.
Reuters’ request for detailed reports on the failed samples was denied, with the agency stating that such reports were not available.
India’s domestic spice market was valued at $10.44 billion in 2022, according to Zion Market Research. The country’s spice exports reached a record $4.46 billion for the fiscal year ending in March.
