EU Finds Cancer-Causing Chemical in 527 Indian Food Items
According to a report from the Deccan Herald, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found 527 ethylene oxide — a carcinogenic chemical — linked to Indian food items, including nuts, sesame seeds, herbs and spices, and dietetic foods....
Facts
- According to a report from the Deccan Herald, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found 527 ethylene oxide — a carcinogenic chemical — linked to Indian food items, including nuts, sesame seeds, herbs and spices, and dietetic foods.1
- Between Sept. 2020 and Apr. 2024, the ESFA's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) noted 499 flagged cases of foods of direct Indian origin containing ethylene oxide.2
- This comes after food regulators in Singapore and Hong Kong suspended sales of three spice blends from MDH and a spice mix for fish curries from Everest for allegedly containing high levels of ethylene oxide.3
- Following the EU's report, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) said Friday that it was 'gathering additional information' about the allegations that Indian spices are contaminated with ethylene oxide and could be unsafe for consumption.4
- India's Ministry of Commerce has asked Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong as well as MDH and Everest to send the details about the alleged quality concerns to find the 'root cause of rejection,' and initiate 'corrective actions.'5
Sources: 1Deccan Herald, 2Webgate, 3Forbes India, 4BBC News and 5Mint.
Narratives
- Narrative A, as provided by twitter.com. The reports of Indian spices having higher levels of cancer-causing chemicals are fabricated and aimed at tarnishing Indian spice manufacturing companies, which uphold strict hygiene and safety standards in their manufacturing facilities and have been household names among Indian families both domestically and abroad for decades.
- Narrative B, as provided by The Indian Express. These allegations should be taken seriously, as they raise concerns over food and safety standards in India and highlight the widespread presence of a carcinogenic pesticide that should never be used in food products. Food safety regulators worldwide should monitor Indian spices to ensure their content aligns with the latest regulations.
