The FSSAI in India has requested that States categorize thorough testing of all packaged spice samples for safety and quality parameters, including ethylene oxide, as part of the nationwide enforcement effort.
Recently, the food safety authority instructed States and Union Territories to collect samples of spice products from various brands across India for testing. This decision was made following recalls of certain Indian spice products from MDH and Everest in Hong Kong and Singapore.
According to sources, the samples are undergoing testing for up to 139 pesticide residues, as well as other parameters required by food safety regulations.
Additionally, the packaged spice products are being tested for seven metal contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, copper, cadmium, and mercury. Biological parameters being tested for in the spice samples include yeast, mold, salmonella, and staphylococcus, among others.
In addition to that, the spice samples are undergoing testing for 25 physical parameters and 22 chemical parameters, including total ash, crude fiber, and argemone oil, among others. Furthermore, the spice sample products are being examined for various food additives such as Sorbates, Neotame, and Sulfites, among others.
Sources said that FSSAI has started to receive the initial batch of test reports from samples collected by states from the main manufacturing plants of packaged spice companies.
Last month, Hong Kong issued a recall for three MDH products and one Everest product due to suspected ethylene oxide contamination. In response, Singapore also recalled one MDH product.
It is important to note that even as a fumigant, the use of ethylene oxide is strictly prohibited in India. MDH and Everest have both asserted in their statements from last month that their products are indeed safe for consumption.
Date : 18 May 2023 Time : 10 AM to 05 PM Faculty : Asmita Thaokar (FSSAI National Level Resource Person)
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