Nepal bans the sale and import of certain spice blends from Indian brands, citing quality concerns after Singapore and Hong Kong.
Including MDH and Everest, four spice mix products have been banned in the Himalayan country from Friday due to suspected ethylene oxide.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, regular exposure to the colorless, odorless compound “increases the risk of white blood cell cancer.”
Indian Spices which Nepal has banned
Under this, Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Mixed Masala Powder; Mixed Masala Curry Powder of MDH and Fish Curry Masala of Everest have been banned in Nepal.
“As residue contents of ethylene oxide are found to be exceeding the prescribed limit in these four products, the import and sale of these products are banned within the country as per Article 19 of the Food Regulation 2027 B.S.,” the department said in a notice issued on Friday.
Cancer causing chemicals found in Indian spices
The cancer causing chemicals were found in Indian spices in Singapore when the Singapore food Authority Authority reported an issue on 18th April.
Indian media reported that Singapore’s Food Authority had ordered a recall of Everest fish curry masala because it had “exceeding permissible limits” of ethylene oxide.
Singapore’s regulator issued a statement on its website on April 18, saying it had “instructed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte Ltd, to recall the product.”
Statement of Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS)
The Federation of Indian Spices Stakeholders (FISS) on Friday said that India’s spice exports could fall by nearly 40 per cent in 2025 if the issue of ethylene oxide contamination in spices to be exported is not resolved early.
Nepal government has banned the sale and import of two spices produced in India, MDH and Everest Brand. Earlier, the Singapore government has also banned it. However, the media is saying that it is being sold openly in India. pic.twitter.com/sPV64awjCM
— Milan Budhathoki (@milanbichhod) May 17, 2024
According to the Spice Board of India, India is one of the world’s leading spice producers, exporting over 200 spices and value-added products worth $4 billion to around 180 countries in 2021-22.
The Board has also issued guidelines for the treatment to all exporters.
What types of cancers are associated with exposure to ethylene oxide?
Lymphoma and leukemia are the cancers most commonly associated with occupational ethylene oxide exposure. Stomach and breast cancer may also be associated with ethylene oxide exposure.
Reason: Food Safety for the citizens of Nepal
Nepal’s ban on Everest and MDH masala due to concerns over ethyl oxide contamination goes a long way in ensuring food safety and protecting public health.
“Everest and MDH brand spices which are being imported in Nepal have been banned from import. This comes after the news about traces of harmful chemicals in the spices, ban on import was imposed a week earlier and we also have banned the sales of it in the market,” Mohan Krishna Maharjan, spokesperson of Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control told ANI over the phone.
Nepal aims to protect its population from potential health risks associated with contaminated food by implementing strict inspection measures and maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
