Ahmedabad: The Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders has stepped into the matter of indian spices A ban is being imposed in Singapore and Hong Kong, after which Nepal recently said that it is being treated ethylene oxide (EtO) is used to protect people from the harmful effects of processed food.

Speaking to ANI, Ashwin Nayak, President of Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS), said, “This ethylene oxide treatment This is done only for the health of the people. If the spices used in food are not processed properly. microbiological parameters are found in them, such as Salmonella, E-coli, aflatoxin and coliform, all these are also dangerous for the body. When we treat them with ethylene oxide, the microbiological parameters come under control and their dangerous effects are eliminated.”

According to FISS, India’s reputation as a major producer and exporter of spices has been tarnished by the recent withdrawal of exports due to the presence of ethylene oxide residues in food. There have been several reports regarding the use of ethylene oxide (ETO) in spices and seasoning products. It is important to clarify that ethylene oxide is not a pesticide.

FISS says ethylene oxide is a sterilizing agent used to reduce or eliminate microbial elements in spices, including dangerous pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. food products, Additionally, ethylene oxide is widely used to sterilize heat-sensitive medical disposables such as syringes and catheters, with approximately 50 percent of the world’s disposable medical devices being EtO sterilized. These practices are acceptable for even the most vulnerable patients.

The federation said in a release that it reassures consumers and all concerned that ethylene oxide is not a pesticide. EtO is a sterilizing agent used to prevent or reduce microbial elements in spices and food products, including life-threatening pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, etc.

“India is the hub of spices. India is the largest exporter of spices in the whole world. The thing about which there is an uproar now has been approved by the American Spice Association in America. The spices used there contain 80 to 90% These are treated spices”, said Nayak.

He said, “In many countries of the world, some amount of ethylene oxide is allowed in spices. Therefore, there is no need to be under any illusion.”

Going forward, to avoid any export impact, FSSI wants the Spice Board to take into account the quantity of ethyl oxide in each country.

In the statement, the federation clarified that EtO is not harmful to humans and is found naturally in vegetation. EtO contamination may also occur due to its natural presence without EtO treatment. The statement said the primary aim of the treatment is to protect public health.

Food Safety Center in Hong Kong found pesticides in three MDH masala products during a general food survey: Madras Curry powder, Sambar Masala Powder, and curry powder; Also in Everest Group’s Fish Curry Masala.

Accordingly, products from both companies were recalled after Singapore food authorities discovered carcinogenic chemicals in them.

Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide increases the risk of cancer and makes it dangerous for human consumption. Nepal also joined these two countries and banned the import of two Indian spice brands.