Shocking! Nearly 12% of Indian spice samples don’t meet quality standards

NEW DELHI: Nearly 12% of spice samples tested by Indian authorities didn’t pass quality and safety checks and standards, based on data from the Right to Information Act. This news comes as several countries have taken steps due to contamination concerns with popular spice brands.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) tested mixed spice blends after Hong Kong stopped selling certain MDH and Everest brand blends in April because they had high pesticide levels. The data showed that out of 4,054 samples tested between May and early July, 474 failed to meet safety standards.

In May, Nepal banned the import, sale, and use of powdered spices from MDH and Everest. The United Kingdom also started stricter quality checks for all spices imported from India after reports of pesticide issues with these brands.

Britain tightened its controls on spice imports from India, and New Zealand, the United States, and Australia are looking into problems related to these brands. Despite this, MDH and Everest insist their products are safe. These brands are popular in India, which is the world’s biggest exporter, producer, and consumer of spices, and their products are sold in Europe, Asia, and North America.

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As per agencies, FSSAI informed that it doesn’t have detailed information on each brand but is taking action against the companies involved. The agency said penalties have been applied according to Indian law, but specific details were not shared.