FSSAI asks states to test branded spices amid quality concerns

The country’s apex food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked states to collect samples of different brands of powdered spices for test. This comes after authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore ordered that four spice mixes from two of India’s top spice manufactures — MDH and Everest — be withdrawn following detection of high levels of ethylene oxide.

The food regulator has also started collecting samples of baby formula to check whether they conform to Indian standards. This comes after an international body highlighted that food and beverage giant Nestle was selling baby formula with higher sugar content in South Asian, African, and Latin American countries.

Earlier, the FSSAI had said that the lab reports of the samples from India will be sought and placed before the existing, in-house subject expert committee for examination. A consolidated report on spices is likely to come out in 25 days, according to officials in the know of the matter.

Read | ‘Samples contained pesticide’: Hong Kong bans sale of Everest, MDH spice mix

“Samples of spice mixes from all brands will be tested for the presence of ethylene oxide — the compound is not allowed in food products as per the regulations,” the officials said. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies ethylene oxide as carcinogenic.