Two Popular Indian Spice Brands Banned In Singapore, Hong Kong Based On Quality Concerns

Recently two Indian spice brands have been in the news and subsequently banned in Singapore and Hong Kong for the adulteration of their products. MDH and Everest spice mixes have been under the scanner for the presence of ethylene oxide – which is considered a group 1 carcinogen as per the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – beyond the permissible limits.

As per a press release, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong stated that, “Samples from three retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui respectively for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected products.”

According to the National Cancer Institute, ethylene oxide is ‘A chemical used to make antifreeze, to clean medical equipment, and as a pesticide. It is also found in tobacco smoke,’ which causes long-term medical issues and increases the risk of cancer with prolonged exposure.

The CFS announced a ban on April 5. Additionally, on April 18, the Singapore Food Agency recalled Everest Group's 'Fish Curry Masala' due to similar concerns regarding pesticides. Overall, authorities have withdrawn four products, namely – MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder – from markets in Hong Kong and Singapore pending further investigation.

In response to this ban, India’s own food safety authority, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced their intentions to carry out thorough quality assessments of all the products in question. The Spices Board of India is also reportedly looking into the root cause of the ban.

Though these events have caused quite a stir, this isn’t the first time that Everest has been scrutinised for health reasons and as per Reuter’s, in 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled two of their spice mixes after they tested positive for Salmonella.

Aside from being a 32,000 crore export business, spices are integral to India on a cultural level as well. Both MDH and Everest are household names not just in India, but across the world, and are a fan favourite with the Indian diaspora living in the UK, USA, Australia, the Middle East and beyond. Though currently only four spice mixes have come under fire, it’s sparked concerns around their diverse catalogue of products and until further tests are completed, many people have been left questioning their favourite spice brands.