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In the wake of alarming reports from food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore, MDH, the renowned Indian spice manufacturer, vehemently denied allegations of pesticide contamination in its products. The controversy erupted when the Center for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong detected ethylene oxide—a prohibited pesticide—in various pre-packaged spice products from MDH and another Indian brand, Everest.
MDH swiftly responded to the allegations, asserting, “We do not use ethylene oxide at any stage of our spice production.” The company emphasized its adherence to stringent health and safety standards both domestically and internationally, while highlighting that neither the Spice Board of India nor the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had been approached regarding the findings.
In a statement, MDH underscored that the allegations lacked evidence and were therefore baseless and unsubstantiated. Despite the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recalling Everest’s Fish Curry Masala in response to the controversy, MDH remained steadfast in its commitment to the safety and authenticity of its spices.
MDH reiterated its commitment to providing authentic, high-quality spices to its customers, as reflected in its tagline, ‘Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH,’ and ‘Real Spices of India.’
The controversy comes against the backdrop of India’s significant role as the world’s leading producer, consumer, and exporter of spices. With exports reaching nearly ₹32,000 crore in the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Indian spice industry underscores its substantial scale and global impact.
Ethylene oxide (EtO) has raised concerns due to its carcinogenic potential, primarily attributed to its ability to form DNA adducts and cause mutations. Recent research published in 2023 has shed light on the carcinogenicity of EtO, emphasizing the importance of regulatory measures to minimize exposure, particularly in occupational settings.
