India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority has stepped in to evaluate the quality standards of MDH and Everest in light of the regulatory actions taken in Hong Kong and Singapore.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated an inquiry into the products of Indian spice makers MDH and Everest after Hong Kong suspended sales of certain items, citing concerns over elevated levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.
An FDA spokesperson confirmed to Reuters on Friday that the agency is actively gathering information regarding the situation. This development comes in response to Hong Kong’s recent decision to halt the sale of three MDH spice blends and an Everest spice mix used in fish curries. Additionally, Singapore has issued a recall of the Everest spice mix, citing the presence of ethylene oxide at levels deemed unsafe for human consumption, posing potential long-term health risks.
This revelation marks the first acknowledgment by the U.S. FDA of its scrutiny into the alleged contamination of Indian spice products. Despite repeated attempts, MDH and Everest have yet to comment on the matter, according to Reuters.
While Everest has previously asserted the safety of its spices, MDH has remained silent on inquiries regarding its products. Both brands, renowned for their popularity not only in India but also across Europe, Asia, and North America, face intensified scrutiny from regulatory bodies.
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has stepped in to evaluate the quality standards of MDH and Everest in light of the regulatory actions taken in Hong Kong and Singapore. Additionally, the Spices Board of India, responsible for overseeing spice exports, has engaged with authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore to obtain export data from the two companies.
Efforts are underway to pinpoint the underlying causes of the quality issues as inspections commence at the manufacturing facilities of MDH and Everest.
This recent scrutiny echoes past incidents involving MDH’s products. In 2019, certain batches of MDH items were recalled in the United States due to contamination with salmonella, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and quality of spice products both domestically and internationally.
The latest developments underscore the global ramifications of food safety concerns and the collaborative efforts required among regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders to address them effectively. As investigations continue, consumers are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about the safety of the products they consume.