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Britain's food standards body, the Food Standards Agency-FSA, has said that it has taken special control measures on pesticide residues found in Indian spices since the beginning of this year.
The agency said it had already determined the maximum level of ethylene oxide residue in the system, a food contaminant that is not acceptable in Britain, and would take no additional action.
The incident comes at a time when several Indian spice products were banned in Hong Kong and Singapore after high levels of ethylene oxide were found in them. FSA Deputy Director Natasha Smith said that we have imposed additional controls against pesticide residues in Indian spices containing ethylene oxide. He said the use of ethylene oxide is not permitted in the UK and its highest levels have been found in herbs and spices. If it is in excess, attention should be paid to the safety of consumers.
Ethylene oxide is used particularly overseas to kill pathogens such as salmonella. However, its use is not approved in Britain. Its highest levels are found in herbs and spices. He said that from January 2023, an alert had been issued regarding the level of ethylene oxide in various Indian spices. UK ports and local authorities warned of the issue during monthly imports.
It would also help enforcement officers collect ethylene oxide samples and justify UK legal reform, the agency said. The FSA said food businesses need to take care that food must be safe and of standard. Therefore, if the residue in them is above the maximum level, then it should be investigated and action should be taken against it.
We maintain controls on animal and non-animal foods to ensure that citizens continue to have access to safe imported foods. India is the leading spice producer, exporting more than 200 spices worth $4 billion annually to more than 180 countries in the world, according to 2021-22 data from the Spices Board of India. The sale of Indian spice brands MDH and Everest was banned in Singapore and Hong Kong last month after suspected high levels of ethylene oxide, which can cause some cancers. After this, the Indian Food Standards Agency FSSAI has started taking steps to check the quality of ground spices.
In-depth investigation of Indian spices abroad
* Indian spices are strictly monitored in Britain.
* Early warning is given against high levels of ethylene oxide.
* Ban on India's top spices implemented in Singapore, Hong Kong