India’s spice industry is facing a significant crisis as nearly 12% of spice samples tested by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have failed to meet safety standards. Out of 4,054 samples tested between May and early July 2024, 474 were found to be non-compliant with the required quality and safety parameters. This revelation comes amidst growing scrutiny of the FSSAI’s safety regulations and has sparked concerns over India’s commitment to maintaining food safety.

What is happening?

• Failing Samples: The FSSAI’s recent report, obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request, revealed that 474 spice samples failed safety tests. While the report does not specify which brands were involved, the FSSAI has indicated that legal actions are being taken against the implicated companies.
• Contamination Scandal: Earlier this year, popular Indian spice brands, including Everest and MDH, were found to contain ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide banned in several countries. This led to widespread recalls and bans in international markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Maldives. Stricter import regulations have also been enforced in countries like Australia and the United States.

Impact on India’s Spice Industry:

India, a global leader in spice exports, is seeing its reputation challenged due to these safety concerns. The country’s spice export market, valued at a record $4.64 billion in FY2023-24, is now under threat as international buyers question the safety of Indian spices.

Regulatory Controversies:

The FSSAI has recently faced criticism for its decision to raise the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for certain pesticides in food products. This move, described by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the highest legally tolerable level of pesticide in food or animal feed, has been controversial. Critics argue that increasing MRLs effectively lowers food safety standards, allowing higher levels of potentially harmful chemicals to be ingested by consumers.

Although the FSSAI maintains that India has some of the strictest MRL standards globally and that the changes apply only to imported spices, the decision has been met with widespread concern. Food safety experts and the public fear that this could compromise consumer health and erode trust in Indian spices.

International Repercussions:

The safety scandal has caused confusion and alarm among international buyers, with some suspending sales of Indian spices. There is mounting pressure on the FSSAI and the Indian government to take decisive action to restore confidence in the safety of Indian spices. This includes calls for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations, more rigorous testing protocols, and greater transparency in setting and adjusting safety standards.

As India’s spice industry grapples with these challenges, the need for improved safety measures is clear. The FSSAI and relevant authorities must work to ensure that the quality of Indian spices meets both domestic and international standards to protect consumer health and maintain the country’s standing in the global market.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal actions and potential regulatory changes that could shape the future of India’s spice industry.