Now Nepal bans Everest and MDH masalas, starts testing for ethylene oxide

After Singapore and Hong Kong, Nepal has banned the consumption and sale of spices made through Everest and MDH amid concerns over traces of harmful chemicals in the products. As per a recent report by ANI, Nepal's Food Technology and Quality Control Department has started testing two Indian brands of spices for cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide.This decisive action marks a significant step in Nepal’s efforts to ensure food safety and protect public health. Nepal's Food Technology spokesperson, Mohan Krishna Maharajan said, “The import of Everest and MDH brand spices has been banned. We have also banned their sale in the market. This decision confirms the presence of harmful chemicals in the spices.”

As per news reports, testing of chemicals in these two particular brands of spices is going on. The ban will continue until the final report comes. Both the spice brands have been household names in India for decades. These spices are exported to different countries of the world, including the Middle East, and are also being tested in New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.

What is ethylene oxide?
Ethylene oxide is a colourless gas commonly used in the sterilisation of medical equipment and in the manufacturing of certain chemicals. However, its use in food products is highly controversial. Classified as a human carcinogen by several health organisations, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other severe health conditions.

The controversy surrounding ethylene oxide in food products came to the forefront when several countries, including members of the European Union, detected the chemical in various food items, leading to widespread recalls. The presence of this chemical in spices like those produced by Everest and MDH raised alarms, prompting regulatory bodies to take action.

For the uninitiated, the Hong Kong food safety body had banned four masala products from two brands in April earlier this year. And a few days later, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) banned Everest's Fish Curry Masala for exceeding the permissible levels of ethylene oxide.

In India too, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has already ordered quality testing of the products of MDH and Everest. It has also sought details from the food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore.
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Moving forward, manufacturers and importers must adhere to international food safety standards. For spice producers like Everest and MDH, this means implementing rigorous quality control measures to ensure their products are free from harmful chemicals. Transparency in the manufacturing process and regular testing can help restore consumer confidence and maintain brand reputation.

Nepal’s ban on Everest and MDH masalas due to concerns over ethylene oxide contamination is a significant move towards ensuring food safety and protecting public health. By adopting stringent testing measures and maintaining vigilant regulatory oversight, Nepal aims to safeguard its citizens from potential health risks associated with contaminated food products. This action serves as a reminder of the critical role that food safety regulations play in maintaining public health and the importance of compliance by food producers and importers.