UK to inspect all Indian spice imports after Singapore, Hong Kong suspend 2 brands over contamination allegations
- The UK food watchdog applied extra control measures on all spice imports from India, after contamination allegations against two brands sparked concerns in Asia
- Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends produced by MDH and one by Everest. Singapore also ordered a recall of the Everest mix
Britain’s food watchdog has applied extra control measures on all spice imports from India, it said on Wednesday, becoming the first to ramp up scrutiny of all Indian spices after contamination allegations against two brands sparked concerns among global food regulators.
Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends produced by MDH and one by Everest, saying they contained high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide.
Singapore also ordered a recall of the Everest mix, and New Zealand, the United States, India and Australia have since said they are looking into issues related to the two brands.
MDH and Everest – two of India’s most popular brands – have said their products are safe for consumption.
In the most stringent crackdown so far impacting all Indian spices, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) said that in light of the concerns it has “applied extra control measures for pesticide residues in spices from India which includes ethylene oxide”.
The agency did not elaborate on the exact steps it is taking.
“The use of ethylene oxide is not allowed here, and maximum residue levels are in place for herbs and spices,” James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, said in a statement.
