72% of Indian consumers of packaged spices worried; lack confidence in FSSAI

Recent findings from food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore concerning the presence of carcinogenic compounds in packaged spices have sparked apprehension among Indian consumers regarding their well-being. In response, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) swiftly initiated comprehensive quality assessments for all products associated with MDH and Everest Group.

A notable 72% of respondents expressed anxieties regarding the quality and safety of the spices they consume, particularly in light of the reports concerning India's major spice brands, MDH and Everest, according to a survey conducted by LocalCircles.

The survey, which amassed feedback from over 24,000 individuals spanning 293 districts in India, underscores a broader issue regarding consumer trust in food regulatory bodies. Out of these individuals, 61% respondents were men while 39% respondents were women, 40% respondents were from tier 1, 31% from tier 2 and 29% respondents were from tier 3 & 4 districts.

The survey found that 62% of respondents indicated they had been consuming the products and expressed concern, while 18% reported they had been consuming the products but were not concerned.

A staggering 73% of participants conveyed either minimal confidence or outright scepticism regarding the efficacy of agencies like FSSAI and analogous state food regulators in ensuring food safety through rigorous licensing, audits, and punitive measures against offenders. Specifically, 36% of respondents stated they had “no confidence at all,” while 37% indicated “low confidence” in food regulatory bodies.

The apprehensions were heightened by recent disclosures from food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore. They discovered ethylene oxide, a 'Group 1 carcinogen' as per the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in packaged spices from MDH and Everest Group. This chemical poses significant health hazards, including an increased risk of breast cancer. As a result, these regulators imposed bans on the affected products.

Furthermore, this isn't the first instance of an Indian spice brand facing a ban. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated a recall of Everest Food Products due to positive tests for Salmonella.

“According to the Centre for Food Safety of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, they had collected samples of three of MDH's pre-packaged spice products - 'Madras Curry Powder', 'Sambhar Masala Powder' and ‘Curry Powder’; and Everest Group's 'Fish Curry Masala' for testing under its routine food surveillance programme when it detected the presence of the pesticide,” the survey states.

Similarly, in Singapore, the food regulatory body discovered carcinogenic substances in the products of both companies. Consequently, authorities have instructed the importer of these two spice brands to commence a recall of the products.