474 Indian spice samples fail FSSAI's safety tests as countries suspend sale of Indian spice brands

India's spice industry is grappling with a critical issue as nearly 12% of its spices have reportedly recently failed to meet the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) safety standards. This troubling statistic comes at a time when the FSSAI itself is under scrutiny for its recent decisions regarding safety regulations, raising serious concerns about the country's commitment to food safety.

The FSSAI's report highlighted that 474 of 4,054 samples of spices tested in India between May and early July failed to meet the quality and safety parameters, according to a Right to Information response. While the FSSAI did not find brand-specific breakdowns for the spices tested, it noted that it had begun to take appropriate legal action against the companies implicated in the safety debacle.

In April, Indian spice giants such as Everest and MDH were found to have products contaminated with ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide banned in several countries. This discovery led to international recalls and bans, particularly in markets like Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Maldives, and prompted stricter import regulations in other nations, including Australia and the United States.
These findings are particularly disturbing given India’s status as a leading global spice exporter. As per reports, India’s spice export market was worth a record $4.64 billion in FY2024-24.

Regulatory controversies

In the wake of these contamination scandals, the FSSAI had made the controversial decision to raise the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for certain pesticides earlier this year. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) describes MRL as the highest legally tolerable level of pesticide in food or animal feed. A higher MRL in our food could thus mean allowing more pesticides to be ingested into our bodies.
However, the FSSAI justified this move by stating that these changes were only applicable to imported spices, and that India has one of the most stringent MRL standards in the world. However, this decision has still sparked significant debate.

Critics argue that raising MRLs effectively lowers safety standards, allowing higher levels of potentially harmful chemicals in food products. This has led to widespread public concern and criticism from food safety experts, who question whether the FSSAI is prioritising the interests of industry over the health of consumers. The decision has also caused confusion among international buyers, who may perceive this as a step back in ensuring the safety of Indian spices.

There is growing pressure for the FSSAI and the government to take more 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 how safety standards are set and adjusted.