According to a recent report by the Economic Times, India made changes to its pesticide regulations by significantly increasing the maximum residue limit (MRL) for a pesticide in herbs and spices from 0.01mg/kg to 0.1mg/kg. This adjustment, prompted by various representations, has resulted in concerns being raised by countries like Hong Kong and Singapore after issues were found with products from popular brands MDH and Everest masalas.
The decision by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to relax pesticide norms has alarmed activists and experts, who fear the potential consequences on both spice exports and consumer health. Activists have cautioned that the relaxed norms could lead to a rise in rejections of Indian spices in major export markets, as well as an increase in pesticide consumption among domestic consumers. Additionally, concerns have been expressed by the Pesticide Action Network of India about the health risks associated with higher pesticide levels in spices and the cumulative effects of multiple pesticides on consumers. Some experts have questioned the scientific basis for the regulatory change, highlighting discrepancies in field trial data and the use of unregistered pesticides in determining MRLs.
Recent reports also revealed rejections of shipments of MDH masalas by United States customs authorities due to contamination with salmonella. In response to these issues, the FSSAI has mandated comprehensive testing of spices across the country and suspended sales of certain products. Both MDH and Everest companies have denied using ethylene oxide (ETO) in their products amidst these controversies and investigations.