A few weeks ago, Hong Kong and Singapore banned several spice products from MDH and one product by another Indian Spice company, Everest after discovering excessive amounts of a cancer-causing chemical.
The chemical was ethylene oxide which is not suitable for human intake, and excessive exposure can lead to cancer.
According to data collected by Reuters from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MDH products were not approved for sale in the United States due to the presence of salmonella, a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness.
Based on FDA data, about 20% of MDH’s 65 shipments to the US were refused due to quality control failures over the time span from October 2023 to May 3, 2024. According to the data, there was fenugreek, mixed spices, and seasoning in the 13 rejected shipments.
In response to inquiries about the FDA data, MDH claims its products are safe and it has never used ethylene oxide while manufacturing, packaging, or storing spices.
The issue is being investigated by authorities in Australia, India, and the United States. Both brands are exported all over the world and are well-known in India.
Problems Faced by Everest
According to the data, 3.7% of Everest’s shipments to the US were stopped in 2022-23 and none of the 189 shipments to the US were rejected previously.
In 2023–24, only one out of 450 shipments from Everest was rejected due to salmonella. This indicates that Everest has experienced fewer rejections in the US.
Also Read : Walmart Plans Mass Layoffs, No Remote Work: Report
Because Everest’s Fish Curry Masala had higher than allowed levels of ethylene oxide, Singapore’s Food Agency (SFA) had to discontinue the product last month, according to media reports.
Although SFA clarified that low concentrations of ethylene oxide did not immediately pose a health risk, prolonged exposure to the chemical may do so because of its carcinogenic qualities.
Following the recall of MDH and Everest brand products in Singapore and Hong Kong due to quality concerns, the Spices Board of India issued mandatory testing for ethylene oxide in spice consignments going to those countries.
Want to learn the art and science of managing your money? The 1% Club can help. Details here
