After Singapore and Hong Kong, now Nepal has also banned the sale, consumption and import of two Indian spice brands Everest and MDH. Nepals Food Technology and Quality Control Department has taken this decision amid reports that these spices may contain pesticide ethylene oxide. However, investigation of ethylene oxide in these spices has been started.Import of Everest and MDH has been bannedNepals Food Technology Department spokesperson Mohan Krishna Maharajan said that the import of Everest and MDH brand spices has been banned. We have also banned the sale of these spices in the market. This step has been taken after receiving news that these spices contain harmful chemicals. Investigation is going on for dangerous chemicals in both these brands of spices. Exported to many countriesThe names of MDH and Everest have become household names for decades. The spices of these brands are exported to many countries around the world including the Middle East. Investigation of MDH and Everest spices can also start in Britain, New Zealand, America and Australia. Taking strict action, Britains Food Safety Agency (FSA) has said that it is tightening the testing of poisonous pesticides on all spices coming from India, which also includes ethylene oxide.MDH, Everest banned in these countriesAfter Hong Kong, Singapores Food Agency (SFA) had also banned Everests fish curry masala for the time being. Singapore had returned the order of Everests Fish Curry Masala. It is claimed that the ethylene oxide in fish curry masala is much more than the prescribed quantity. The agency says that there is currently no danger from small amounts of ethylene oxide, but long-term consumption increases the risk of cancer.India started inspectionThe governments Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has already ordered quality testing of the products of MDH and Everest. It has also sought details from the food safety regulators of Hong Kong and Singapore.What is Ethylene Oxide Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas. It gives off a sweet smell when kept at room temperature. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), this gas is used to make chemicals like ethylene glycol (anti-freeze). Apart from this, it is also used in making textiles, detergents, foams, medicines, adhesives and solvents. It is also used in small quantities in food spices to prevent microbial contamination like E. coli and Salmonella. It is also used in hospitals to clean surgical equipment.
