The Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders has stepped into the matter of Indian spices being banned in Singapore and Hong Kong, followed recently by Nepal stating that the treatment of Ethylene oxide (EtO) is done to save people from the harmful effects of processed food.
Nepal's Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has banned the import, consumption and sale of two Indian spice brands Everest and MDH as it starts test for levels of ethylene oxide.
Everest Masala: Nepal s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has prohibited the import, sale, and consumption of two Indian spice brands, Everest and MDH, due to concerns about high levels of ethylene oxide. Tests are ongoing to determine the presence of harmful chemicals in these spices, and the ban will persist until the final report is issued. This action follows similar bans by Hong Kong and Singapore. The Indian government has clarified that the use of ethylene oxide is permitted within certain limits in various countries.
Furthermore, the Spice Board of India organized a stakeholder consultation with over 130 exporters and associations, such as the All India Spices Exporters Forum and the Indian Spice and Foodstuff Exporters’ Association. The board issued guidelines for EtO treatment to all exporters to prevent contamination in spices destined for international markets. - Newsx