Dabur: FSSAI Ensures Inspection & Testing of Spice Manufacturing Units in India
Dabur India does not add ethylene oxide (a fumigant) to the spices it sells in the Indian market, the company has stated in its exchange filing. Dabur has stated that the spices it releases for consumption are mixed according to predetermined standards.
Regulatory Barriers Imposed on Major Spice Companies Everest and MDH
The Indian government, along with the governments of Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Maldives, has imposed restrictions on the sale of their products by major spice companies Everest and MDH. Both American and Indian food safety authorities are investigating.
Dabur to Sterilize Release Batches with Steam
Dabur’s CEO Mohit Malhotra stated, “We adhere to defined standards. Therefore, we need to ensure that we are safe.” The company has stated that steam sterilization will be used instead of ethylene oxide for release batches. Micro labs are also being set up for this purpose.
No Restrictions on Dabur Masala Amid Ethylene Oxide Concerns
The company stated that there are no restrictions on the sale of Dabur spices under its portfolio ‘Badshah Brand.’ Ethylene oxide is added to preserve the spices, but excessive use could lead to cancer.
Orders for Inspection, Sampling, and Testing of Company’s Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed its officers to monitor companies producing powdered and mixed spices for local and international sales.
Ethylene Oxide Presence to be Tested in All Company Products
The agency stated that the presence of ethylene oxide will also be tested in all company products. Its use is banned in India, and suitable action will be taken after testing is complete.
Presence of Carcinogens in Everest’s Fish Curry Masala
The Food Safety Department of Hong Kong announced that three spice mixes from the MDH Group – Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder – had high levels of ethylene oxide. This carcinogenic substance has also been found in Everest’s Fish Curry Masala.
Ethylene Oxide: A Carcinogen
The Spice Board describes ethylene oxide as a colorless gas that becomes highly flammable at temperatures above 10.7 degrees Celsius. It works as a pesticide, fumigant, and sterilant. Its use is to sterilize medical equipment and reduce microbial contamination in spices.
Ethylene Oxide Classified as Group 1 Carcinogen by IARC
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorizes ethylene oxide as a ‘Group 1 carcinogen,’ meaning it has sufficient evidence to cause cancer in humans. It can cause lymphoma and leukemia, as well as stomach and breast cancer.
India Exported Spices Worth INR 32,000 Crores in Financial Year 2022-23
In the financial year 2022-23, India exported spices worth approximately INR 32,000 crores. The main exported spices include chili, cumin, turmeric, curry powder, and cardamom.
