Alleged contamination issues and pesticide concerns spark investigations into popular spice brands, raising questions about product safety and regulatory oversight in the global spice industry
An examination of U.S. regulatory data by Reuters has revealed that MDH, a popular Indian spice brand, has encountered scrutiny due to alleged contamination issues in some of its products since 2021. The analysis found that an average of 14.5 per cent of MDH’s U.S. shipments have been rejected over concerns of bacterial presence.
Recently, Hong Kong suspended the sale of three spice blends manufactured by MDH and Everest, citing elevated levels of a cancer-causing pesticide known as ethylene oxide. The chemical is considered hazardous for human consumption and poses long-term cancer risks with extended exposure. However, both MDH and Everest have asserted the safety of their products, with MDH explicitly stating that it does not employ ethylene oxide at any stage of its spice processing, storage, or packaging.
The scrutiny has prompted investigations by authorities in the United States, Australia and India. Despite being popular brands in India and enjoying widespread global exportation, both companies are now under regulatory scrutiny.
India holds a significant position in the global spice industry as the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices. In 2022, the domestic market was valued at $10.44 billion, with spice exports from India amounting to $4 billion during 2022-23, according to estimates by Zion Market Research and the Spices Board.
Before this controversy, MDH had faced rejection of its products in the U.S. due to the presence of salmonella, a bacteria known to cause gastrointestinal illness. Data compiled by Reuters from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reveals that around 20 per cent of MDH’s shipments to the United States between October 2023 and May 3 of the current fiscal year were rejected due to salmonella contamination.
In contrast, Everest has experienced fewer rejections, with only one out of 450 shipments rejected for salmonella during the ongoing fiscal year 2023-24. Everest reported a rejection rate of less than 1 per cent for its U.S. shipments in fiscal year 2023-2024, emphasising the safety of its products.
Both MDH and Everest have been prominent players in the Indian spice industry for decades, supplying products widely used in homes and restaurants for flavouring various dishes, particularly curries.
This is not the first time these companies have faced contamination concerns. In 2019, MDH’s spice mix was recalled from U.S. shelves due to salmonella contamination, while in 2023, Everest’s products were similarly recalled by the FDA following findings of contamination.
