Popular Spice Brands Adulterated with Insecticides | 11 Jun 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Indian spice labels are deemed inappropriate for human consumption in Rajasthan due to the suspected presence of the cancer-causing chemical ethylene oxide.

  • Singapore, Hong Kong, and Nepal have prohibited the distribution of these Indian spice labels.

Key Points

  • As per latest reports, Spice brands failed quality tests conducted by the Rajasthan health departments as part of the state's campaign against food adulteration.
  • The investigation team discovered that the levels of pesticides and insecticides in these spices exceeded permissible limits, which could pose significant health hazards.

Ethylene Oxide (ETO)

  • ETO is a chemical used as a sterilizing agent in spices, but it is considered carcinogenic when used beyond certain limits.
    • While efforts are being made to prevent ETO contamination, the sample failure rate for Indian spice exports is less than 1% in major markets.
  • The Spices Board released guidelines for exporters to prevent ETO contamination and ensure the safety of all markets.
    • It advises against using ETO as a sterilising agent for spices and suggests alternatives like steam sterilisation and irradiation.

Thiamethoxam

  • Thiamethoxam is moderately hazardous to humans because it is harmful if swallowed. It found it to be no skin or eye irritant, and not mutagenic in any in vitro and in vivo toxicology tests.

Acetamiprid

  • It is an organic compound. It is an odorless neonicotinoid (neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine) insecticide.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

  • FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006.
  • FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising food safety and quality in India, operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
  • FSSAI has a headquarters in New Delhi and regional offices in eight zones across the country.
  • The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI, appointed by the central government. The Chairperson is in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.