FSSAI finds no traces of ethylene oxide in MDH, Everest samples: Report
- In Reports
- 12:48 PM, May 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
On Tuesday, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced that comprehensive testing of spice samples nationwide has not detected any ethylene oxide (ETO), a carcinogenic substance, in MDH and Everest products. This statement follows concerns raised by the Hong Kong Food Authority, according to sources cited by ANI.
The country's premier food regulator came to the conclusion after extensive testing of the samples of spices sold by the two companies, reported ANI. FSSAI tested the samples in 28 accredited laboratories, sources said, while reports from six laboratories are still pending.
The investigation was launched after allegations from the Hong Kong Food Authority that specific spice products from Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd (MDH) and M/s Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd (Everest) contained elevated levels of the chemical.
After the products were recalled by the Hong Kong authority, FSSAI initiated a nationwide inspection campaign on April 22, involving all state and union territory food safety commissioners and regional directors.
It collected 34 samples of Everest and MDH spices for testing -- 9 from Everest's facilities in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and 25 from those of MDH's in Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan.
According to the news agency, the products were also subjected to testing for various other parameters, including moisture content, insect and rodent contamination, heavy metals, aflatoxins, pesticide residues, and various microbiological contaminants. The testing for ethylene oxide was conducted at NABL-accredited laboratories.
According to the report, the panel also examined test reports from 300 additional spice samples of other brands but did not detect any traces of the cancer-causing substance. This indicates that Indian products are safe for consumption.
The Spice Board also issued guidelines to the spice exporters for using ethylene oxide as a fumigant for sterilising spices in order to deal with microbial contamination as per the standards of importing countries.
India is the biggest exporter of spices in the world, followed by Vietnam.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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