Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Issues related to transport and marketing of agricultural produce; Food processing and related industries in India
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Challenges in food processing industry
– Non-tariff barriers to trade
– Ethylene Oxide
Context
The recent controversy surrounding the alleged contamination of spice mixes sold by Indian brands MDH and Everest has raised concerns about food safety and regulatory compliance.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 3rd May 2024
Why are Indian spices facing the heat?
| India is one of the largest exporters of spices globally, with a significant share of its spice exports coming from brands like MDH and Everest. However, recent reports of contamination have cast a shadow on the reputation of Indian spices in international markets. This incident highlights the importance of robust quality control measures and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety of food products exported from India. |
| Indian Spice exports: |
| India’s spice export is currently valued at $4 billion.The export value is projected to reach $10 billion by 2030.India is a leading player in the global spice industry.More than 75 spices are grown in India, contributing to its status as the “spice bowl of the world.” |
Countries Raising Concerns
- Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety suspended the sale of certain MDH and Everest spice blends due to high levels of ethylene oxide.
- Singapore ordered a recall of Everest spice mix for being unfit for human consumption.
- The U.S. FDA is gathering information on the situation, while regulatory bodies in Maldives, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Australia are taking similar actions.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has previously rejected food and spice imports from India.
- A scrutiny of FDA’s import refusal report (2023), cites at least 30 instances wherein entry was refused because the products appeared to contain Salmonella.
- These are agents known to cause salmonellosis, a common bacterial foodborne illness.
- Also, there have been at least 11 products being rejected because of misbranding, adulteration, artificial colouring or incorrect labelling.
- The U.S. Dept of Agriculture stated India and Mexico were top sources of pathogen-based food import refusals.
Nature of Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene oxide is a colourless and flammable gas at room temperature. It has a sweet odour but is highly reactive.
- Applications in Various Industries:
- Ethylene oxide is widely used as a chemical in various industrial settings, including the production of chemicals like ethylene glycol, surfactants, and solvents.
- In agriculture, it is utilized as a fumigant to control pests and pathogens in soil and stored products.
- Additionally, ethylene oxide serves as a sterilizing agent in the healthcare industry for medical devices and equipment.
- Role in Food Safety:
- In the food industry, ethylene oxide is employed to reduce microbial contamination in spices, dried vegetables, and other food commodities.
- It helps extend the shelf life of food products by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Health Risks of Improper Usage:
- Excessive or improper use of ethylene oxide can result in the formation of toxic and carcinogenic compounds.
- Residues of these compounds in food products pose significant health risks to consumers.
- Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide is linked to serious health risks, including the development of cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia.
Concerns about trade and overall spices market
Nearly $700 million worth of exports to critical markets is at stake.
- The credibility crisis could also spiral out into losses for the masala makers, both smaller and larger players.
- In the event of potential losses, farmers of such crops too could find themselves at the receiving end.
- There are already cases where certain companies have not paid appropriate prices to farmers even when they were making profits.
- Now, if the companies make losses, it could be used as a pretext to reduce the prices further, thus, burdening the farmer.
- This could affect exports, about 51.1% of the country’s global spice exports.
India’s Response
- Corrective Measures by the Spices Board:The Spices Board of India has taken proactive steps to address the issue of ethylene oxide contamination in spice exports.Among these measures is the initiation of mandatory testing for shipments destined for Singapore and Hong Kong.This testing aims to ensure that spice products meet stringent safety standards and do not contain harmful levels of ethylene oxide.
- Guidelines for Exporters:
- In addition to mandatory testing, the Spices Board has issued comprehensive guidelines for exporters.
- These guidelines provide detailed instructions on preventing ethylene oxide contamination throughout the production and supply chain.
- Exporters are urged to adhere strictly to these guidelines to safeguard the quality and safety of Indian spice products.
- Directives from the FSSAI:
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also taken action in response to the contamination concerns.
- The FSSAI has directed state regulators to collect samples of major spice brands, including those implicated in the contamination issue.
- These samples will undergo rigorous testing to detect any presence of ethylene oxide and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
- Circular Publication and Awareness:
- A circular detailing these corrective measures and guidelines was published by the Spices Board.
- This circular serves to inform exporters, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders about the steps being taken to address the issue.
- By disseminating this information, the Spices Board aims to raise awareness and ensure collective efforts to maintain the integrity and safety of Indian spice exports.
Conclusion
The contamination issue with Indian spice mixes underscores the need for stringent quality control measures and regulatory enforcement in the food industry. It also highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and collaboration between regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure the safety of food products. Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding public health and upholding the reputation of India’s spice trade in global markets.
Related Topics
Spices Board India
- It is the statutory organization constituted on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986.
- It was formed with the merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council.
- The Board functions as an international link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad and it has been involved in various activities which touch upon every segment of the spices sector.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
- Main functions
- The Spices Board is responsible for the overall development of cardamom (small and large) in terms of improving production, productivity and quality.
- The Board is also implementing post-harvest improvement programmes for improving quality of the 52 scheduled spices for export.
- The various development programmes and post-harvest quality improvement programmes of the Board are included under the head ‘Export Oriented Production’.
- Promotion of organic production, processing and certification of spices
- Development of spices in the North East
- Provision of quality evaluation services
References
Related PYQ
Elaborate on the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2019]
Practice Question
Examine the health concerns associated with ethylene oxide (EtO) and the regulatory challenges in ensuring food safety in India. [250 words]