On Saturday, India’s spice brand, MDH, refuted the allegations imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore.
What are the allegations on MDH?
Earlier this month, the Center for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong detected the presence of ethylene oxide, a harmful pesticide that can cause cancer, in various pre-packaged spice products of two Indian spice brands in their countries: MDH and Everest.
Subsequently, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) made claims similar to those of Hong Kong. As a result, food regulators of both nations have advised consumers against purchasing and traders against selling the species. Days after such advice, Hong Kong and Singapore banned the sale of the two Indian spice brands.
Not all the species produced by the brands are banned. MDH Madras Curry Powder, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder, and Everest Fish Curry Masala are the ones that are barred. 
What did MDH say?
On Saturday, the spiece brand denied such allegations and stated that neither Hong Kong nor Singapore’s food regulators had communicated such concerns to the company.
MDH, in a statement, said, “The allegations of the presence of ethylene oxide in our products are untrue and lack any substantiating evidence. Additionally, MDH has not received any communication from regulatory authorities in Singapore or Hong Kong. This reinforces the fact that the allegations against MDH are baseless, unsubstantiated, and not backed by any concrete evidence.”
The brand has assured its consumers that its products are 100 per cent safe for consumption.
“MDH tagline, ‘Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH’ and ‘Real Spices of India’ reflect our genuine commitment to providing authentic, high-quality spices to customers,” the company added.
What is the Centre’s reaction?
Indian spice makers have been under scrutiny, and this has also led India’s top food regulator, the Food and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to conduct a sampling of these products and check the quality standards of the two companies.
About Ethylene oxide
The chemical is generally used to sterilise medical devices and is also used in spices to reduce microbial contamination. Exposure to this chemical is associated with various kinds of cancers.
MDH and Everest spices are among the most popular in India and are also sold in Europe, Asia and North America.
