Indian spice maker MDH faced many US rejections before being banned in Hong Kong: Report

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• May 13, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

The Spices Board of India has mandated testing for ethylene oxide in spice consignments bound for Singapore and Hong Kong...

Digital Desk: The recent scrutiny surrounding popular Indian spice brands MDH and Everest has sparked concerns over product safety and quality. A Reuters analysis of US regulatory data revealed that MDH faced an average rejection rate of 14.5% for its shipments to the US due to the presence of bacteria, with salmonella being a primary culprit.

The alarm bells rang louder when Hong Kong and Singapore banned certain spice products from MDH and Everest, citing elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide. While both brands vehemently assert the safety of their products and deny the use of ethylene oxide in their processing, the rejections and bans have cast a shadow of doubt on their claims.

Data from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) paints a concerning picture, with a significant portion of MDH shipments being rejected due to quality issues. Between October 2023 and May 3, 2024, approximately 20% of MDH's 65 shipments to the US failed quality checks, primarily due to the presence of salmonella.

The rejection trend is not sheltered to recent years. In the fiscal year 2022-23, around 15% of MDH's 119 shipments to the US were rejected, indicating a persistent issue. In 2019, recalls of MDH products in the US due to salmonella contamination further underscored the gravity of the situation.

Everest, while facing fewer rejections compared to MDH, is not entirely exempt from scrutiny. Despite a relatively lower rejection rate, the brand encountered its fair share of setbacks, with recalls and rejections attributed to salmonella contamination and excess ethylene oxide levels.

The repercussions of these quality concerns extend beyond the US market. Singapore's Food Agency (SFA) recalled Everest's Fish Curry Masala last month due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide, reinforcing fears over chemical contamination in spice products.

In response to these incidents, the Spices Board of India has mandated testing for ethylene oxide in spice consignments bound for Singapore and Hong Kong. Additionally, the board is collaborating with exporters to investigate the root causes of contamination and implement corrective measures.

As consumers, it's imperative to prioritize product safety and demand transparency from manufacturers. While spices add flavor to our dishes, ensuring their purity and integrity is paramount for safeguarding public health. The recent spells involving MDH and Everest serve as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food industry, urging stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety and accountability.