Reclaiming The Spice Crown: Overhauling India's Spice Safety Standards

In a tale as piquant as the spices they flavor, the Indian spice export industry finds itself embroiled in a simmering controversy. Recent bans on MDH and Everest spices in markets such as Hong Kong, Nepal, the European Union, and the United States have ignited debates and cast serious doubts on the efficacy of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) quality control mechanisms.

This situation raises several critical questions: Are FSSAI’s current quality standards robust enough to effectively detect and prevent contamination? What specific shortcomings in FSSAI’s procedures are contributing to the recurring international bans on Indian spices? How can FSSAI enhance its methods to align with international standards set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? What steps should be taken to mitigate the health hazards posed by contaminants like ethylene oxide (ETO), aflatoxins, and microbial agents? Is there a need for more stringent monitoring and enforcement mechanisms within FSSAI to ensure compliance with safety standards? How can the FSSAI improve collaboration with international bodies to enhance the safety and quality of Indian spices?

As the dust settles, it is evident that urgent reforms are necessary to align FSSAI’s procedures with the stringent standards of its global counterparts like the EFSA and FDA. Despite India’s impressive $4.4 billion spice export market in 2023-2024, which grew by 12.3% from the previous year, the industry faces significant threats from contamination concerns, particularly involving the carcinogenic chemical ethylene oxide (ETO).

The bans on Indian spices have far-reaching economic implications. As one of the largest exporters of spices, any disruption in this sector can lead to substantial financial losses. A loss of trust in Indian spices could decrease demand, affecting the livelihoods of millions of farmers and workers in the spice industry. Moreover, reputational damage can take years to repair, further impacting exports and economic stability. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the export of spices from India dropped by 15 per cent in the fiscal year 2022-23 following the bans, translating to a loss of approximately $500 million in revenue. The U.S., one of the largest importers of Indian spices, reduced its imports by 20 per cent, significantly affecting the spice export market.

Spicing Up Trouble: The Health Implications

Ethylene oxide (ETO) is utilized in India not as a pesticide, but as a sterilizing agent to reduce microbial loads in spices. Contamination often occurs at auction yards, where spices are exposed to various contaminants, necessitating the use of ETO in large factories. While ETO effectively mitigates microbial contamination, it poses severe health risks. In contrast, the European Union favors steaming, a method that, though more expensive, eliminates chemical residues entirely.

The presence of other contaminants such as aflatoxins, pesticides, and microbial agents in spices also poses serious health risks. Aflatoxins, known carcinogens, can lead to liver cancer with prolonged exposure. Pesticide residues are linked to a range of health issues, including neurological disorders and developmental problems in children. Microbial contamination, particularly from Salmonella, can cause severe foodborne illnesses, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to life-threatening conditions.

Quality Wars: A Spicy Showdown

FSSAI’s contaminant detection techniques are as outdated as last year's leftovers, falling short of the mark. The recent bans on MDH and Everest spices have highlighted their inability to effectively detect aflatoxins and pesticides. Meanwhile, the EU's EFSA utilises cutting-edge technologies like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), ensuring contaminants are identified with precision. Similarly, the FDA employs Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of contaminant-free spices.

FSSAI’s monitoring of pesticide residues resembles a leaky sieve, with loopholes large enough to drive a spice truck through. Lax enforcement mechanisms leave much to be desired, as evidenced by the MDH and Everest fiasco. In contrast, the EU sets high standards with stringent Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and regular reviews under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, ensuring pesticides are kept at bay. Meanwhile, the FDA enforces strict limits on pesticide residues through its Pesticide Monitoring Program, leaving little room for contamination.

FSSAI’s microbial testing is akin to playing a game of hide-and-seek blindfolded. Inconsistent methods and limited scope allow microbial mischief, as seen in the recent bans. Conversely, the EU’s microbial testing framework, governed by Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005, leaves no room for microbial mayhem, ensuring stringent criteria for food safety are met. The FDA’s use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and culture-based techniques acts as a formidable barrier against microbial invaders, maintaining impeccable food safety standards.

FSSAI’s methods for detecting adulteration are as antiquated as grandma’s spice rack, failing to keep pace with sophisticated adulteration practices. The integrity of Indian spices hangs in the balance. In the EU, advanced techniques like DNA barcoding and isotope ratio analysis act as guardians of purity, swiftly identifying and mitigating adulteration issues. The FDA employs a multi-pronged approach, including supply chain audits and advanced analytical techniques, ensuring the sanctity of spices remains untarnished.

Spicing Up Standards: Government Initiatives and Future Plans

In response to the crisis, the Indian government has announced several initiatives to address the gaps in food safety standards. The Spices Board of India, operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has initiated mandatory testing of consignments shipped to international markets and is working closely with exporters to identify the root causes of contamination. Additionally, the Spices Board plans to conduct nationwide surveillance in 2024-25 to monitor food safety standards across various products.

The Spices Board has proposed a comprehensive surveillance program targeting key agricultural products, including spices, fruits, vegetables, and fish. This program aims to identify and mitigate contamination risks at multiple stages of the supply chain. By focusing on high-risk areas and implementing targeted interventions, the program seeks to enhance food safety and restore international confidence in Indian exports.
Tasked with developing, promoting, and regulating the export of spices and spice products, the Spices Board operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It has announced a slew of corrective measures: initiating mandatory testing of consignments shipped to Singapore and Hong Kong, gathering technical details and analytical reports from the relevant food and drug agencies, working with exporters whose consignments have been recalled to identify and rectify issues, issuing circulars with guidelines to prevent ETO contamination, and planning nationwide surveillance in 2024-25.

A Path Forward: Stirring the Pot of Progress

Experts have called for stringent safety checks on curry powders and spices to detect and control the use of ETO in food products and ensure proper implementation of regulatory norms. A recent CUTS report recommended regularly updating food safety standards to align with global practices and improving information flow to food industries to ensure better compliance with regulations.
 

Modernization of Equipment and Techniques: FSSAI must invest in state-of-the-art technologies like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of its testing procedures. These technologies are essential for detecting modern contaminants and ensuring food safety.

Stringent Regulatory Standards: Tightening regulatory standards and aligning them with international benchmarks is paramount to prevent future spice scandals. FSSAI needs to align its regulatory standards with those set by organizations like the EFSA and FDA. This alignment will help ensure that Indian spices meet global safety standards and regain their reputation in international markets.

Enhanced Laboratory Infrastructure: Improving the infrastructure of testing laboratories across the country is crucial. This includes equipping laboratories with modern testing equipment and training personnel to handle advanced testing techniques. Enhanced infrastructure will ensure reliable and accurate testing outcomes.

Comprehensive Surveillance and Enforcement: Implementing rigorous surveillance programs and consistent enforcement of regulations is essential to maintain high-quality standards across the spice industry. This includes regular inspections, random sampling, and stringent penalties for non-compliance.

Adoption of Advanced Adulteration Detection Techniques: FSSAI should embrace advanced techniques like DNA barcoding and isotope ratio analysis to detect and prevent adulteration. These methods provide accurate identification of adulterants and ensure the purity of spices.

Public Transparency and Industry Collaboration: Fostering transparency in testing results and collaborating with industry stakeholders is crucial for building trust and ensuring compliance. Publicly available testing results and regular updates on regulatory changes will enhance accountability and encourage continuous improvement.

Reclaiming the Spice Crown

The recent bans on MDH and Everest spices underscore the urgent need for the FSSAI to overhaul its food safety standards and procedures. Modernizing equipment, aligning regulations with international benchmarks, and enhancing laboratory infrastructure are critical steps FSSAI must take to restore confidence in Indian spices. Comprehensive surveillance, stringent enforcement, and collaboration with industry stakeholders are essential to ensure high-quality standards and maintain India's position as a global leader in the spice market.

It is time for FSSAI to take decisive action and turn this crisis into an opportunity for improvement. By implementing the right measures, India can continue to tantalize taste buds worldwide with its rich and diverse spice offerings, free from contamination and safety concerns. The road ahead is challenging, but with concerted efforts and a commitment to excellence, India can reclaim its reputation as the spice capital of the world and ensure the safety and quality of its beloved spices.