Spices Board Enforces New Measures to Combat EtO Contamination for Exports to Singapore and Hong Kong

The Spices Board has implemented stringent pre-shipment testing for exports to Singapore and Hong Kong to prevent ethylene oxide (EtO) contamination. This follows recalls by food safety authorities due to high EtO levels. Despite these measures, Indian spices have not been banned. An Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement with Sri Lanka is also being negotiated.

The Spices Board has introduced comprehensive steps, including mandatory pre-shipment testing, to ensure the safety of spice exports to Singapore and Hong Kong. The move comes after specific batches were recalled due to ethylene oxide (EtO) contamination, Parliament was informed on Friday.

In response to the EtO issue, Singapore's Food Agency has put a hold-and-test regime on certain Indian spice imports for a month. 'Spices Board has taken various steps, including issuing guidelines for exporters to prevent EtO contamination,' said Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a Rajya Sabha session.

He clarified that there is no ban on Indian spices in these markets. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing for an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement with Sri Lanka, covering goods and services. Prasada noted that trade with neighboring countries totaled USD 676.6 billion over the last five years.

(With inputs from agencies.)