16-05-24 - Statesman Delhi

MDH and Everest - facing regulation in New Zealand

Indian spice manufacturers MDH and Everest, as New Zealand's food safety regulator on Wednesday said it is investigating possible contamination in their products.

Regulation in Australia and US

The two popular brands are facing scrutiny in other countries as the United States and Australia and NewZealand have also been looking into the possibility of contamination.

Hong Kong suspended sales

Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends of MDH and one of Everest, saying they contained high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide, ethylene oxide.

Singapore recalled the products

Singapore ordered a recall of a Everest spice mix.

Ban for using ethylene oxide in food items

• There is a ban on using ethylene oxide in food items in India. In India, the Spices Board defines ethylene oxide as a flammable, colourless gas at temperatures above 10.7 Celsius.

• It serves as a disinfectant, fumigant, sterilising agent and insecticide.

• It is mainly used to sterilise medical equipment and to reduce microbial contamination in spices.

• Besides being produced from natural sources, it can also be generated from waterlogged soil, manure, and sewage sludge.

EU too raised concerns

The European Union (EU) has also raised concerns, discovering the same cancer causing substance in samples of chilli peppers and peppercorns from India.

Nepal banned the sale

Nepal bans sale of Everest, MDH spices over safety concerns India Today