Mandatory Testing for Ethylene Oxide Residue in Spice Shipments to Singapore and Hong Kong

India has implemented new regulations requiring the testing and sampling of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) residue for all spice shipments bound for Singapore and Hong Kong, effective May 7. This decision comes in response to reports of India spice products being recalled from these markets due to safety concerns.

India has made the testing and sampling of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) residue for all spice shipments to Singapore and Hong Kong from May 7

The commerce ministry revealed that a techno-scientific committee conducted a comprehensive root cause analysis, inspected processing facilities, and collected samples for testing in accredited labs. To ensure compliance, guidelines for EtO treatment have been reiterated to all exporters.

Spice Board India has taken proactive measures to guarantee the safety and quality of Indian spice exports, organizing stakeholder consultations involving over 130 exporters and associations, such as the All India Spices Exporters Forum and the Indian Spice and Foodstuff Exporters’ Association.

Despite concerns, government officials assure that the rejection rates of spices remain low, with export sample failures being isolated incidents. The commerce ministry disclosed that India’s spice rejection rate is below 1%, emphasizing that the recalled quantity is a fraction of the total exports.

EtO, a fumigant used during transportation, is subject to varying limits set by different countries, including India. While Hong Kong and Singapore recently banned specific Indian spice products over EtO presence, manufacturers like MDH have refuted allegations, asserting the safety of their products.

MDH emphasized that they do not utilize ethylene oxide at any stage of processing their spices, reassuring consumers of their safety standards.

These regulatory measures underscore India’s commitment to upholding food safety standards and ensuring the integrity of its exports, safeguarding consumer health and confidence in Indian spices on the global market.