Nepal takes big action against Indian spice companies, bans MDH-Everest spices; investigation begins

Nepal has banned the import, use and sale of spices of two Indian brands – MDH and Everest. Nepal’s Food Technology and Quality Control Department has taken this decision amid reports of the possibility of pesticides and ethylene oxide in these spices. Nepal has also started testing for ethylene oxide in these spices.

Ban imposed on sale of spices in Nepal

Ethylene oxide causes cancer. Nepal’s Food Technology and Quality Control Department spokesperson Mohan Krishna Maharajan said, “Import of MDH and Everest spices in Nepal was banned a week ago. We have also banned its sale. Tests are underway for ethylene oxide in these two brands of spices. The ban will continue until the final report comes.”

These countries have also taken major action

Earlier, Hong Kong’s food regulator Center for Food Safety (CFS) had said that these spices contain pesticides and ethylene oxide which poses a risk of cancer. Four spice products of MDH and Everest were banned. Singapore’s food agency has ordered the withdrawal of MDH and Everest spices.

Additional control measures taken for Indian spices: UK

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) on Thursday clarified that it has taken additional control measures for ethylene oxide in Indian spices since the beginning of this year. The FSA said that there is an early warning system (EWS) for maximum levels of ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is banned in the UK.