Gujarat collects over 300 samples of spices for testing ETO

In an effort to take a look at spices for ethylene oxide (ETO) residue, the Meals and Medication Management Administration in Gujarat and the Meals Security and Requirements Authority of India (FSSAI) have collected over 300 samples from varied entities, together with these from 13 export-oriented models of Gujarat.

The transfer comes after Singapore and Hong Kong suspended the sale of standard manufacturers MDH and Everest following the detection of “elevated ranges” of ETO, a chemical related to long-term most cancers dangers. Thereafter, India’s regulatory physique FSSAI ordered a complete testing of spices from all manufacturers throughout the nation.

“FSSAI had requested all of the States to gather samples and examine the manufacturing websites. There are round 1,000 licenses given to meals and condiments models in Gujarat. Until now we now have collected greater than 300 samples of spices,” H G Koshia, Commissioner, FDCA Gujarat informed businessline. 

2 labs to check

“The mandate is to check spices in powdered kind together with chillies, turmeric, cumin and others. This consists of spice blends. We’ve got two laboratories that may take a look at samples for ETO residue,” he stated. Aside from FDCA, officers of FSSAI have additionally collected samples from 13 export-oriented models in Gujarat. 

Officers identified that ETO — a colourless fuel — has been used as a “sterilising agent” for over 30 years. “That is achieved to minimise the presence of microbial components in spices and meals merchandise together with moulds and pathogens like salmonella, E.coli, amongst others. Aside from spices, ETO can be getting used for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical disposables corresponding to syringes and catheters,” Koshia stated.

In the meantime, the Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS) — a physique of spice merchants, processors, producers, exporters and farmers — on Friday stated whereas India has no set rules or limits with regard to ETO residue in spices, European Union and United Kingdom permits solely 0.1 mg per kg of ETO in spices. This tolerance degree is 7 mg per kg in nations just like the US and Canada, whereas it’s 50 mg for Singapore.

“For exporting spices to the EU and UK, most exporters desire steam sterilization. Nonetheless, this course of is about 4-5 instances dearer than ETO sterilization. Furthermore, the equipment wanted for steam sterilization is expensive and must be imported from Europe,” stated Ashvin Nayak, chairman of FISS and head of Kanaiya Exports Pvt Ltd.

Shipments could fall

The present controversy surrounding ETO residue in spices has began adversely affecting spice exports from India, say exporters. “A number of nations together with Nepal have halted our export consignments. If the federal government doesn’t step in and resolve the problem, it may trigger spices exports from India to fall by 40 per cent this monetary yr. We additionally need to enchantment to the Spices Board of India to check samples from every cargo and support the steady stream of exports,” Nayak stated.

India accounts for 60-70 per cent of the whole spice exports. Within the yr 2021-22, over 15.31 lakh tonnes of spices have been exported to varied nations together with China, USA, Canada, UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, EU and others.