With Singapore, Nepal and Hong Kong recalling some MDH and Everest masalas due to the presence of ethylene oxide and the European Union (EU) raising concerns regarding several other compounds found in packaged Indian spices, raises health concerns. Consumption of ethylene oxide and other carcinogenic materials in food can lead to a range of cancers, including stomach cancer, blood cancer (leukemia), and breast cancer. Even to ripen mangoes chemicals are used. And the tea growers have appealed to government in Assam for action against banned chemicals in plantations. Despite concerns expressed by food safety regulatory organisations in different countries, in India where both MDH and Everest sell most of their products, FSSAI has lagged behind. The absence of official guidelines leaves both sellers and buyers uninformed about potential risks. The delay from the FSSAI raises serious concerns about their commitment to our safety. There is no way for people to know if the carcinogenic ethylene oxide reported in MDH and Everest masalas abroad is present in food products sold in India. FSSAI must probe spices brands, mango sellers, tea traders to check for any toxic chemicals.
