Indian spices are making news in west,
this time there's no Vasco Da Gama on our coast!
$700 million export is at stake & west is furious.
What's the spice ban issue, learn hereππΌ
MDH & Everest, 2 of India's giants are under radar
Why? Presence of Ethylene Oxide (EtO)
EtO: Toxic chemical used as food stabilizer but in permissible limits. (this is the catch!)
Who're these countries?
Domino started with Hong Kong!π¨
3 MDH spices banned for high levels of EtO
Singapore then recalled Everest in same week. Why?
"unfit for human consumption"π±
US FDA jumped with Maldives, NZ, Bangladesh & Australia sharing similar plans!
But what's EtO?ππΌ
While MDH refused using EtO in their supply chain, it is:
β’ colorless & flammable gas
β’ used as sterilizer in agri, medical & chemical industry
In spice industry, it lowers microbial contamination β raises shelf life
So, what's the issue?
Excessive use leaves residues
These residues are toxic & carcinogenic
EtO further reacts to form Ethylene Glycol (EtG)
EtG was in cough syrup that made news killing 300 children in African countries
Wait, why's US involved in this?
US flagged 30 events in 2023 rejecting Indian spices
Why? SALMONELLA
A poisonous & deleterious substance with health concern
Checkout all 'reasons for rejection' in the image!
Okay CSEWhy, how's India responding to this?
Indian respondent on this is Spice Board of India
β’ u/ Spice Board of India Act 1987
β’ int'l link b/w exporters-importers
β’ touches every segment of spices sector
β’ Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
What did Spice Board of India say?
Here are some measures:
β’ Mandatory testing of consignments to S'Pore & Hong Kong
β’ Sought to propose corrective measures to exporters
β’ Ensure adherence to relevant standards
β’ Testing for EtO at both raw & final stage
Challenges to Indian spice regulations?
1. Operational (limited resources)
β’ Diverse food landscape
β’ No standardized record-keeping
β’ Intentional food fraud β hard to trace
2. Logistic barriers
β’ Fewer FSSAI mandated testing labs
β’ Regulatory mandate(s) ill-followed
What next?
Multiple things:
β’ Billions of $$ at stake
β’ Farmers' income at stake
β’ Export & thus reputation at stake
Solution: Put your house in order before it fires big time!
For you,
Solution is get PYQs on tips.
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