The Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI), an organization for India’s crop protection sector, has responded to recent news reports that alleged the presence of ‘pesticide residues’ in some Indian spice brands exported to Singapore and Hong Kong.
CCFI explained that ethylene oxide, the chemical in question, is not listed as a pesticide under India’s 1968 Insecticide Act. Instead, ethylene oxide is primarily an industrial compound used widely in chemical production, natural gas processing, and oil and gas drilling, as noted by the American Chemistry Council (ACC). It is also utilized in the sterilization of medical equipment and food products, a use endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its effectiveness in disease and infection control.
Nirmala Pathrawal, the Executive Director of CCFI, mentioned that Ethylene oxide is not prohibited in Singapore, and its application in spice sterilization complies with the local food regulation, which allows a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 50 ppm. Reports from Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety found elevated levels of ethylene oxide in four spice samples from various regions, including the USA, Indonesia, India, and Hong Kong itself.
CCFI has raised concerns about the media’s focused reporting on the Indian spice sample, urging for a more balanced scrutiny of all involved samples. They stressed that ethylene oxide, a significant industrial chemical, is not approved or used as a pesticide in India.
Addressing the carcinogenic risks associated with Ethylene oxide, CCFI mentioned that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, classifies it similarly to alcohol in terms of hazard. The industry body questioned the rationale behind banning ethylene oxide based on this classification, arguing that if this were a valid reason, then all types of alcohol would also need to be banned.
Harish Mehta, a Senior Advisor at CCFI, highlighted India’s prominent status as the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, known globally as the land of spices. He emphasized that the spice exports, which reached $3.7 billion in 2023, should not be jeopardized over ethylene oxide levels measured in ppm.
As reported by Krishak Jagat, CCFI has called on Indian government officials to release a detailed and accurate report on this issue to clarify the situation and protect the Indian spice industry’s reputation. The federation also emphasized the need to address and counteract any inaccurate and potentially damaging reports that could negatively impact the industry.
