Report

The Ministry of Commerce confirmed that Indian spices are not banned in Singapore or Hong Kong, despite some quality concerns. Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav informed Lok Sabha on Friday that food safety authorities in these countries had previously recalled specific batches of Indian spice mixtures due to ethylene oxide (EtO) levels exceeding permissible limits.

Stricter Controls for Safer Indian Spices

To address these issues, the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce has implemented strict measures. It now mandates pre-shipment testing for spices exported to these markets and has issued comprehensive guidelines to help exporters prevent EtO contamination at every stage, including procurement, processing, packaging, storage, and transportation.

FSSAI Boosts Spice Safety Measures

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified efforts to ensure food safety nationwide. It regularly conducts surveillance, monitoring, inspections, and random sampling of food items, including spices, to enforce quality and safety standards outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, and its regulations.

Making Indian Spices Safe and Reliable

Jadhav warned that the government takes strict action against Food Business Operators (FBOs) who violate these statutory requirements, imposing penalties as per the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006. These steps aim to uphold the reputation of Indian spices while ensuring consumer safety at home and abroad.

Source: The Economic Times