Recently, Hong Kong and Singapore withdrew four spice mixes from popular Indian spice brands MDH Pvt Ltd and Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd, alleging the presence of carcinogenic ethylene oxide at levels surpassing permissible limits.

Made from fossil fuels such as petroleum or natural gas, ethylene oxide is used to manufacture synthetic chemicals, polymers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and detergents or fumigants. Often spice manufacturers use ethylene oxide to lend a long shelf life to their products.

It is to be noted that the Food Safety and Standards of Authority India (FSSAI) doesn’t permit the use of ethylene oxide in any food product. Amid the controversy, FSSAI has announced the testing of samples of MDH and Everest spice mixes.

“Spices and spice blends like those flagged are commonly used in household cooking across multiple dishes. This can lead to chronic, persistent exposure over time, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancers like leukemia, stomach cancer, and breast cancer,” New Delhi-based nutritionist Kanika Narang told The Indian Express.

“Until more rigorous testing and remediation efforts are undertaken by the brands involved, it is prudent for consumers to avoid the identified products entirely and seek out alternative spice........

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