The European Union’s food safety authorities have identified the presence of the carcinogenic chemical ethylene oxide in 527 food products originating from India, notably including prominent Indian spice brands such as MDH and Everest. This discovery prompted bans on these products in Hong Kong and Singapore, followed by similar action from the European Union, underscoring the extent of contamination.
Ethylene oxide, commonly used as a pesticide and sterilizing agent, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, indicating its carcinogenic potential in humans. Exposure to this chemical is linked to an elevated risk of various cancers, including lymphoma and leukaemia.
The affected products encompassed a diverse range of food items, predominantly comprising nuts and sesame seeds (313), herbs and spices (60), dietetic foods (48), and other miscellaneous food items (34). Among the 527 flagged items, 332 originated solely from India, with the remainder originating from other countries.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted extensive testing on various food items from September 2020 to April 2024, including nuts, sesame seeds, herbs, spices, dietetic foods, and other miscellaneous products. The analysis revealed significant levels of ethylene oxide in many of these items, prompting regulatory interventions by the EU to address this contamination.
In response to the EU’s findings, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated rigorous quality checks on the implicated spices and other food products to ensure compliance with safety standards.
