MDH, an Indian spice brand, reassured consumers of the safety of its products and denied allegations made by food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore regarding pesticide presence. Earlier in April, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong reported finding pesticide traces, specifically ethylene oxide, in samples of pre-packaged spice mix products from two Indian brands, MDH and Everest. The CFS advised against buying MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and its Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder. MDH stated it had not been contacted by food safety regulators in Hong Kong or Singapore.
MDH firmly rejected the allegations of ethylene oxide in its products, labelling them as an unsubstantiated statement which lacks evidence. The company stressed that neither the Spice Board of India nor the food regulator FSSAI has received any communication or test reports from authorities in Hong Kong or Singapore regarding this issue. This spice brand underscored that the accusations against them are unfounded and unsupported by evidence.
The company reiterated its commitment to product safety and quality, affirming that it does not use ethylene oxide in any stage of storing, processing, or packaging its spices. MDH emphasized its compliance with health and safety standards both domestically and internationally, citing its tagline “Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH” and “Real Spices of India” as reflections of its genuine dedication to providing authentic, high-quality spices.
In line with Hong Kong’s directive, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) implemented a recall of imported Everest Fish Curry Masala. India recognized as the world’s leading producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, exported spices valued at nearly Rs 32,000 crore in 2022-23. Key exported spices comprise chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder, and cardamom.
