The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated several prominent spice brands to cease the sale of specific batches of their products. This directive comes after these batches failed to meet the safety standards in recent lab tests.
Extensive Testing Drive
On April 22, FSSAI initiated a comprehensive pan-India sampling and testing drive. Over 4,000 spice samples were collected during this drive. Out of the 2,000 samples that have been analyzed so far, 100 samples failed due to excessive pesticide levels. These findings have prompted immediate action from the regulatory body.
Brands Implicated
Notable spice brands like Everest and MDH have been implicated in the failed tests. Following these revelations, Rajasthan has already commenced recalling the affected batches. The FSSAI’s decision aligns with similar actions taken by food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore, who have also recalled products from these brands due to safety concerns.
Right to Appeal
According to FSSAI protocols, brands that have been asked to halt sales have the right to appeal this decision. They can request that the samples be retested at a referral laboratory notified by FSSAI. This provision ensures that brands have an opportunity to verify the results and address any discrepancies.
International Scrutiny
The recent actions by FSSAI come amidst increased international scrutiny of Indian spice brands. Food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore recently recalled products from MDH and Everest due to the presence of ethylene oxide (ETO) at levels higher than permissible. These international recalls have intensified the focus on the safety standards of Indian spice brands.
Findings and Further Actions
In May, FSSAI reported that 28 of 34 lab reports showed no traces of ETO. The remaining six samples were also free from ETO. However, these samples were tested for a range of contaminants, including pesticide residues, metal contaminants, and various biological, physical, and chemical parameters. Despite the absence of ETO, the presence of high pesticide levels has necessitated the current recalls and sales halts.
Conclusion
The FSSAI’s decisive actions reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety of food products in India. By conducting extensive testing and enforcing stringent safety standards, the regulatory body aims to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of Indian spice brands. Affected brands are now in the process of addressing these issues to comply with regulatory requirements and restore consumer trust.
