16 more spice companies are under investigation as pesticides, insects found in their products

Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) inspected 16 spice companies in Kanpur and the samples of 35 items were collected for testing, out of which 23 failed to qualify in the parameters.

According to numerous media reports, it was discovered that the amounts of pesticides and insecticides in these 23 samples were higher than allowed. The testing team also identified insects in a few samples.

Following news that some MDH and Everest spice blends were outlawed in other nations for allegedly carrying chemicals linked to cancer, producers were subjected to a nationwide raid, which exposed further samples of spices that were not considered safe for human consumption.

As per Dainik Bhaskar’s report, the list of companies that have failed the sample test include Gaurav Enterprises, Bingawa, Govind Girha Udyog, Panki, Mangalam Enterprises, Chamera, Vinish Masala, Mohammed Osama, Aravali Masala Pvt Ltd, Harsh Trading, Shri Sahib Ji Griha Udyog, and Rouniyar Enterprises.

Their Matar Paneer masala, Garam masala powder, and coriander powder were allegedly unsafe for human consumption, according to media sources.

It has been claimed that a chemical known as carbendazim has been discovered in a few spice blends. Experts state that it is a broad-spectrum fungicide that is mostly applied in agriculture to manage a range of fungal diseases that affect crops.

It is said that short-term exposure to high levels of carbendazim can cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of the chemical may result in respiratory tract irritation.

In addition, prolonged exposure has been linked to harm to the kidneys and liver. It could impact the reproductive system as well.

Some of the spice blends are also contaminated with Propargite. It is an acaricide used to control mites on various crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamentals. It is particularly effective against spider mites.

Experts say that this acaricide can irritate skin and eyes when exposed to it for a brief period of time. Propargite inhalation can irritate the respiratory system. Long-term exposure to it may harm the kidneys and liver.

Apart from this, 14 more local companies and their products have been found to be unfit. As per FSDA, these spices are harmful for human consumption and may lead to kidney failure and other issues like weakening of eyesight, sore throat, coughing, nausea and more.

To get regular Food Industry updates, feel free to join our WhatsApp group: Joining link