New Delhi: The government has found that some samples of Everest Spices were non-compliant under strict standards (0.1 mg per kg) regarding presence of ethylene oxide and has asked it to take corrective measures, an official said on Monday. Said.
The government has conducted these tests in the wake of reports of recall of products of two Indian spice brands - MDH and Everest - in Singapore and Hong Kong due to the presence of ethylene oxide (ETO) residues in some spices. Presence of this carcinogenic chemical.
"We have conducted sample testing from both these companies and we have found that all the 18 samples of MDH were compliant with the standards. However, in the case of Everest, some samples (out of 12) were non-complaining and for this we have tested them. They have been asked to take corrective action and we are working with them to ensure that they comply,” the official said.An email query sent to Everest remained unanswered.
Different countries follow different MRLs (maximum residue limits) for EtO. While the EU has set this limit at 0.02-0.1 mg per kg, Singapore has a limit of 50 mg per kg and Japan has a limit of 0.01 mg per kg.
These samples were tested on the basis of 0.1 mg per kilogram.
Spices exports increased by 12.27 percent to US$ 405.62 million in April.The official also said that MRL requirements are evolving with time and the spice industry is fully aware of this.
"We have held three industry-wide consultations on this issue. They are also looking at alternatives to the use of EtO. There are several alternative technologies that are being used by many exporters and are being examined by the industry," the official said. Has been."
“Our compliance has increased and our rejections have gone down,” the official said.'' He said the government is also running training programs with US FDA and WTO to build the capacity of spice exporters so that they can meet the MRL requirements.
The government has conducted these tests in the wake of reports of recall of products of two Indian spice brands - MDH and Everest - in Singapore and Hong Kong due to the presence of ethylene oxide (ETO) residues in some spices. Presence of this carcinogenic chemical.
"We have conducted sample testing from both these companies and we have found that all the 18 samples of MDH were compliant with the standards. However, in the case of Everest, some samples (out of 12) were non-complaining and for this we have tested them. They have been asked to take corrective action and we are working with them to ensure that they comply,” the official said.An email query sent to Everest remained unanswered.
Different countries follow different MRLs (maximum residue limits) for EtO. While the EU has set this limit at 0.02-0.1 mg per kg, Singapore has a limit of 50 mg per kg and Japan has a limit of 0.01 mg per kg.
These samples were tested on the basis of 0.1 mg per kilogram.
Spices exports increased by 12.27 percent to US$ 405.62 million in April.The official also said that MRL requirements are evolving with time and the spice industry is fully aware of this.
"We have held three industry-wide consultations on this issue. They are also looking at alternatives to the use of EtO. There are several alternative technologies that are being used by many exporters and are being examined by the industry," the official said. Has been."
“Our compliance has increased and our rejections have gone down,” the official said.'' He said the government is also running training programs with US FDA and WTO to build the capacity of spice exporters so that they can meet the MRL requirements.
