In response to allegations of high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide in its spice products, Indian manufacturer Everest Food Products issued a statement on Tuesday. The company reassured the public that their spices are safe for consumption, with only one item out of 60 being held for examination. However, Singapore and Hong Kong had raised concerns about the safety of the spice mix for fish curries, leading to a suspension of sales by both countries. The pesticide in question, ethylene oxide, can potentially lead to cancer, according to authorities.
Meanwhile, MDH, another popular Indian spice brand, has not yet responded to the allegations. India’s top food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has instructed all states to collect samples of powdered spices and conduct random testing. The Spices Board of India has requested both Everest and MDH to provide details of their quality checks.
Everest and MDH are well-known names in Indian households and are widely used in cuisine both at home and in restaurants. These companies also export their products to various countries around the world. The Indian authorities are working to ensure the safety and quality of spices produced in the country, with a consolidated report on the matter expected in the coming weeks.
In Singapore, consumers have been advised against consuming Everest’s fish curry spice mix by its food agency after raising concerns about safety due to high levels of ethylene oxide found in some samples from India. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has also suspended sales on Everest’s products due to similar concerns raised by local health authorities.