FSSAI cancels licences of 111 spice producers due to high levels of ethylene oxide found in samples
- In Reports
- 11:16 AM, Jul 03, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has revoked the manufacturing licences of 111 spice producers, according to media reports. These producers have been ordered to halt production immediately.
The action comes after over-the-limit levels of ethylene oxide were found in spice samples from prominent Indian brands including MDH, Everest, Badshah, and Catch, among others.
The FSSAI will continue testing around 4000 samples across India and will suspend more licences beyond the 111 already suspended, if necessary.
As per reports, most of cancelled licences come from small-sized spice producers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are also under the regulator’s scanner.
Most of these 111 companies are small-scale and could not be contacted as they lack official websites, contact numbers, or email IDs.
In June this year, spice brands MDH, Everest, Gajanand, Shyam, and Sheeba Taza were found unfit for consumption in Rajasthan after failing quality tests conducted by the Rajasthan health department as part of the state’s campaign against food adulteration.
Tests revealed that MDH’s garam masala contained acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid. MDH’s vegetable masala and chana masala included tricyclazole and profenofos.
Shyam’s garam masala was found to contain acetamiprid, while Sheeba Taza's raita masala contained thiamethoxam and acetamiprid. Everest's cumin masala contained azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam, and Gajanand’s pickle masala contained ethion.
Additionally, the health department found that pesticide and insecticide levels in these spices far exceeded permissible limits, posing significant health risks.
Image source: Times of India
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