HYDERABAD: Nearly 12% of spice samples tested failed to meet quality and safety standards, according to data obtained from Reuters testing by Indian authorities after several countries took action over contamination risks in two popular brands.
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority conducted inspections, sampling and testing of mixed spice blends after Hong Kong suspended sales of some MDH and Everest brand blends in April due to high pesticide levels.
Britain subsequently tightened controls on all spice imports from India, while New Zealand, the United States and Australia said they were looking into brand-related issues.
MDH and Everest have said their products are safe for consumption. Their spices are among the most popular in India – the world’s largest exporter, producer and consumer of spices. They are sold in Europe, Asia and North America.
The data obtained from Reuters under India’s Right to Information Act, shows that 474 out of 4,054 samples tested between May and early July did not meet quality and safety parameters.
Said the security service Reuters In a statement it did not have brand-by-brand breakdowns of the spices it tested, but it took the necessary action against the companies involved.
“Action has been taken on non-compliant samples as prescribed,” it said, referring to the penal provisions of Indian law, without elaborating.
Reuters The open records request sought reports on all samples that failed the tests, but the agency said no such reports were available.
India’s domestic spice market was valued at $10.44 billion in 2022, according to Zion Market Research. Its exports of spices and spice products were a record $4.46 billion in the fiscal year ended March.
a href=”https://www.geo.tv/latest/559846-near-12-of-indias-tested-spice-samples-fail-quality-safety-standards”>Source link
