Nepal Bans Everest and MDH Spices Over Safety Concerns

In Short

• Nepal testing spices from the two Indian brands for ethylene oxide
• Bans consumption, sale, import of Everest and MDH spices
• Development comes after similar action by Singapore, Hong Kong

Kathmandu: Following the lead of Singapore and Hong Kong, Nepal has imposed a ban on the consumption and sale of spices produced by Indian brands Everest and MDH.

This action comes amid rising concerns over the presence of harmful chemicals in these products, specifically ethylene oxide, a pesticide known to cause cancer.

Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has initiated testing of these spices for traces of the carcinogenic chemical.

“Everest and MDH brand spices have been banned from import and sale in the market following reports of harmful chemicals,” said Mohan Krishna Maharjan, spokesperson for the department. “The ban will remain in place until the final test reports are available,” he added.

The decision aligns with actions taken by food safety authorities in other countries.

Earlier in April, the Hong Kong food safety body banned four spice products from Everest and MDH.

Shortly after, Singapore’s Food Agency (SFA) recalled Everest’s Fish Curry Masala due to ethylene oxide levels exceeding permissible limits.

Global Scrutiny

The scrutiny of MDH and Everest spices extends beyond Asia. Countries like New Zealand, the United States, and Australia have also raised concerns.

Jenny Bishop, acting deputy director general of New Zealand’s food safety regulator, stated, “Ethylene oxide is known to cause cancer in humans, and its use for food sterilisation has been phased out in New Zealand and other countries.

As MDH and Everest spices are available in New Zealand, we are investigating this issue.”

Response in India

In response to the international concerns, India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has ordered quality checks on products from MDH and Everest.

The FSSAI is also in communication with food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore to obtain detailed reports.

MDH and Everest, longstanding household names in India, have a significant export market, including countries in the Middle East.

The ongoing scrutiny and subsequent bans highlight the importance of stringent quality control measures to ensure consumer safety globally.

For now, the sale and consumption of these spices will remain suspended in Nepal until the necessary safety standards are confirmed through rigorous testing.