Rajasthan declared that certain spices from MDH and Everest were found “unsafe” for consumption following tests, amid global scrutiny over alleged contamination in these brands, Reuters reported, citing a letter from the state to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This development follows Hong Kong’s suspension in April of sales of three MDH spice blends and one Everest blend due to high levels of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide. This action prompted regulatory scrutiny in India and other countries as well.
Singapore has also mandated a recall of the Everest spice mix, while New Zealand, the United States, and Australia have indicated they are investigating the matter. Meanwhile, Britain has imposed additional controls on all spices imported from India, according to reports.
According to a private letter from Rajasthan’s senior health official Shubhra Singh, the state tested samples of numerous spices and identified one batch of Everest spice mix and two batches of MDH as “unsafe,” Reuters reported.
Shubhra Singh, in her letter, emphasized that Gujarat and Haryana, where the MDH and Everest batches were manufactured, “should be asked to take action in the matter without delay,” as per the report. Previously, Rajasthan state authorities had reported seizing 12,000 kilograms of various spices last week due to suspected contamination.
MDH and Everest, whose products are widely popular in India and sold across Europe, Asia, and North America, have asserted that their spice mixes are safe for consumption.
