Britain then tightened controls on all spice imports from India, while New Zealand, the United States and Australia have said they are investigating trademark issues (File: Shutterstock)
Nearly 12 percent of spice samples tested failed to meet quality and safety standards, according to data obtained by Reuters from tests carried out by Indian authorities after several countries took action over contamination risks in two popular brands.
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority has conducted inspections, sampling and testing of mixed spice blends after Hong Kong suspended sales of some MDH and Everest branded blends in April due to high levels of pesticide.
Britain then tightened controls on all spice imports from India, while New Zealand, the United States and Australia said they were investigating branding issues.
MDH and Everest have said their products are safe for consumption. Their spices are among the most popular in India, the world’s largest exporter, producer and consumer of spices.
They are sold in Europe, Asia and North America.
The data, obtained by Reuters under India’s Right to Information Act, shows that 474 of the 4,054 samples tested between May and early July failed to meet quality and safety parameters.
The security agency told Reuters in a statement it had no brand breakdowns of the spices tested but was taking necessary action against the companies involved.
“The stipulated measures have been taken on the non-compliant samples,” he said, referring to the penalty provisions in Indian law, without giving further details.
Reuters’ open records request asked for reports on all samples that failed testing, but the agency said such reports were not available.
According to Zion Market Research, India’s domestic spice market was valued at $10.44 billion in 2022. Its exports of spices and derived products hit a record $4.46 billion in the fiscal year ended March.
First published: August 19, 2024 | 09:16 IS
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