2024-04-26 10:37:48
New Delhi: This news came just a few days ago. Some banned chemicals were found in some spices of Everest and MDH brands in Singapore and Hong Kong. After this, these countries banned the spices of both the companies. Now the Spices Board of India is in action. This board works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Central Government. It said on Wednesday that it would start mandatory testing of consignments sent to these countries.
Efforts will be made to find out the root cause
Masala Board said in a statement issued here that it is trying to find out along with some experts what was the real reason for sending back these consignments. Besides, attention is also being given to what could be the solutions to fix it. Along with this, now there will be a thorough inspection to check whether the spices sent abroad meet the prescribed standards or not. Also, there will be mandatory testing of consignments bound for Singapore and Hong Kong for the presence of ethylene oxide (ETO), a sterilizing agent used in food products.
What is the work of Spices Board?
The government has set up the Spices Board as the regulatory authority to oversee export promotion of spices from the country. It is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and quality of Indian spices for export. Maintaining its commitment to food safety and quality, the Board had established stringent protocols and guidelines for EtOH residues.
In touch with Indian missions of Singapore and Hong Kong
The Board informed that based on media reports, the Spices Board has made efforts to collect technical information, analytical reports and exporter data from the concerned authorities of both the countries. The Board is in touch with the Indian Missions in Singapore and Hong Kong to seek further information and official notification. The Board is working with exporters whose consignments have been recalled to determine the root cause of the problem and propose corrective measures. Intensive inspections are also underway at exporter facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The system has been made
The board said it has held a meeting with the industry and put in place a system to introduce mandatory ETO testing of consignments of spices destined for Singapore and Hong Kong. Spice consignments from other countries will also be closely monitored for the presence of ETO. NABL accredited laboratories of Spices Board are equipped and ready to test EtO contamination in spice consignments for export.