MDH ensures safety of spice products amid allegations; refutes claims of pesticide presence

Indian spice brand MDH has responded to allegations made by food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore regarding the presence of pesticides in certain products. The Center for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong reported finding ethylene oxide in samples of pre-packaged spice mix products from MDH and Everest earlier in April.

MDH has firmly denied these accusations, stating that it has not been contacted by food safety regulators in Hong Kong or Singapore. The company asserted that the claims lack evidence and are unsubstantiated. Neither the Spice Board of India nor the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has received any communication or test reports from authorities in Hong Kong or Singapore regarding this matter.

Reaffirming its commitment to product safety and quality, MDH emphasized that it does not use ethylene oxide at any stage of storing, processing, or packaging its spices. The company reiterated its adherence to health and safety standards both domestically and internationally, highlighting its tagline "Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH" and "Real Spices of India" as symbols of its genuine dedication to providing authentic, high-quality spices.

Following the directive from Hong Kong, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a recall of imported Everest Fish Curry Masala. India, being the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, exported spices worth nearly Rs 32,000 crore in 2022-23, including chili, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder, and cardamom.