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Nepal has joined Singapore and Hong Kong in banning the sale and consumption of spices from Everest and MDH due to safety concerns.
Nepal Bans Everest and MDH Spices
Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control is testing spices from these two Indian brands for ethylene oxide, a pesticide known to cause cancer. The ban will stay in effect until the testing results are available.
Testing for Ethylene Oxide: Nepal’s food safety department is currently testing the spices for traces of ethylene oxide.
Temporary Ban: Sales, consumption, and import of Everest and MDH spices are suspended until further notice.
Global Scrutiny and Previous Actions
This development follows similar bans by Singapore and Hong Kong due to the detection of harmful chemicals.
Hong Kong and Singapore: Both countries banned specific spice products from Everest and MDH in April.
New Zealand and Other Countries: These spices are also under review in New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.
Statements from Officials
Mohan Krishna Maharjan, spokesperson for Nepal’s food technology department, confirmed the ban and ongoing tests. Similarly, Jenny Bishop, acting deputy director general of New Zealand’s food safety regulator, acknowledged the investigation into these spices in New Zealand.
Impact on Indian Brands
Everest and MDH are prominent spice brands in India, with a significant export market, including the Middle East.
Household Names: Both brands have been staples in Indian households for decades.
Export Market: They are widely exported and now face scrutiny in multiple countries.
Action by Indian Authorities
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has initiated quality checks on MDH and Everest products and requested detailed reports from Hong Kong and Singapore’s food safety regulators.
