New Delhi, India – India’s long-standing reputation as a global spice powerhouse is coming under scrutiny as concerns rise over the safety of some of the country’s most renowned spice brands. The nation’s vibrant spices, known for enhancing a variety of dishes and beverages, have caught the attention of international regulators due to suspected contamination issues.

Singapore and Hong Kong recently suspended sales of certain spices produced by Indian companies MDH and Everest after detecting elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a potentially carcinogenic pesticide. Additionally, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into products from these popular brands, citing concerns about the presence of harmful bacteria. Despite assurances from the brands themselves, questions linger about the safety of Indian spices.

Europe has also joined the fray, with the European Union discovering traces of ethylene oxide in samples of chili peppers and peppercorns imported from India. This has prompted regulators in the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Australia to open their own investigations into the matter, raising further doubts about the integrity of Indian spice exports.

The contamination of Indian spices is not a new issue. In the past, reports have surfaced about adulteration and contamination of spices, including the presence of lead in food coloring used to enhance the vibrancy of spices. Recent seizures of adulterated spices by authorities in Gujarat only add to the growing concerns about the quality and safety of Indian spices.

With the global spotlight now shining on the safety of Indian spices, the country’s government has urged state governments to conduct quality tests and exporters to be vigilant about the use of ethylene oxide. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also stepped up its efforts to ensure the safety of spices being exported from the country.

Experts warn that India’s reputation as a spice exporter is at stake, with potentially half of the country’s spice exports facing threats due to regulatory actions taken by various countries. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warns that if key markets like China and the EU question the quality of Indian spices, it could have a significant impact on India’s spice trade globally.

As consumers around the world become more conscious of the origin and safety of their food ingredients, the spotlight on Indian spices is likely to intensify. With calls for greater transparency, enforcement, and communication regarding food safety standards, India faces mounting pressure to overhaul its approach to safeguarding the integrity of its spice exports.