In a recent interaction, Menon highlighted the growing demand for Indian spices in health and wellness, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical sectors due to their health benefits. For instance, the pandemic saw a surge in the export of ginger and turmeric, which are valued for their medicinal properties.

The seasoning market, valued at $14.2 billion globally, is another area of potential. However, India’s share remains low, with just 0.7% by volume and 0.6% by value. Menon noted that flexible government policies could help bridge this gap by easing regulatory constraints that currently hinder the timely import of specific ingredients needed for production.

Export Performance and Challenges
India exported spices worth ₹17,488 crore ($2.09 billion) in the first half of FY 2024-25, marking an 8.86% increase in rupee terms over the previous year. The financial year’s export target is set at $4.7 billion. Chilli, cumin, mint, and turmeric are the most exported spices, with major buyers including China, Bangladesh, the USA, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East.

Addressing concerns over quality, Menon clarified that rejection rates remain below 1%, attributing the issues to agricultural variability. He assured that India’s spice industry is well-equipped to meet stringent global standards.

Global Showcase Events
To bolster global visibility, the WSO and the All India Spices Exporters Forum organize annual events like the International Spice Conference and National Spice Conference. The next ISC will take place in Bengaluru in February 2025, following the NSC in Ahmedabad this November.

With India producing 12.48 million tonnes of spices annually across diverse agro-climatic zones, the nation is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious export targets, provided policy and market barriers are addressed effectively.

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According to Ramkumar Menon, Chairman of the World Spice Organization (WSO), the industry is also looking to increase its share in the global seasonings market, which sees India contributing only 0.7% by volume. In contrast, China holds a 12.2% share, leaving significant room for India’s growth.

India’s spice exports have already shown strong performance this year, reaching Rs. 17,488 crore ($2.09 billion) between April and September, an 8.86% increase over last year. Popular exports include chili, cumin, mint, and turmeric in various forms, with top markets being China, Bangladesh, the USA, and the Middle East. With a production capacity of 12.48 million tons annually, India is well-positioned for further growth in the sector.

The WSO and the All-India Spices Exporters Forum are also driving visibility for Indian spices through events like the International Spice Conference, set to take place in Bengaluru in February 2025, and the National Spice Conference in Ahmedabad on November 15–16.

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“India has always been a hub for spices, both domestically and internationally. However, with the rising global demand for traceable and high-quality spices, the industry has adopted advanced farming techniques, quality control measures, and value-added processing,” Shah said.The global spice market is set to grow further as consumers increasingly prioritize traceable and organic food products. Shah noted that NHC Foods, one of India’s largest suppliers of agricultural commodities, is focusing on expanding its product range and entering new markets while upholding rigorous quality standards.

Despite being the world’s largest producer and exporter of spices, India has faced challenges related to chemical residue detection in exports. Shah pointed out that government regulations, alongside industry efforts to implement safe farming practices and advanced testing, are addressing these concerns. He stressed that quality control is essential to ensure consumer trust and protect India’s reputation in international markets.

NHC Foods has also announced plans for growth, including a rights issue to fund expansion, diversification, and digital innovation. Shah highlighted the company’s focus on introducing organic products and ready-to-cook spice blends, targeting health-conscious consumers both domestically and internationally.

As organic farming continues to boom, Shah sees a bright future for the segment, driven by rising consumer demand for chemical-free and sustainable products. He believes that technological advancements in e-commerce and traceability will further strengthen India’s position as a global leader in the spice industry.

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The facility will serve as a multi-purpose center, with capabilities extending beyond ginger to other spices such as turmeric and black pepper, potentially becoming the largest of its kind in Northeast India. The Chief Minister emphasized the unit’s potential impact, noting that it will support thousands of local farmers. The government has allocated Rs. 15 crores for the project, with Rs. 12 crores in incentives and Rs. 2 to 3 crores as a loan component.

Sangma highlighted Ri Bhoi’s strategic importance as a transit point connecting the Northeast with the rest of the country.

Revistar Kharumnuid, CEO of Ri Bhoi Organic Farmer Producers Company Ltd., praised the project’s progress since its inception in 2017. He noted that the company began with a small facility but is now expanding to handle 18 metric tonnes of product per day. The new unit aims to enhance product quality, increase global market presence, and support over 4,500 farmers.

The project is supported by the Meghalaya Industrial Policy and the Unnati scheme. The company plans to process 4,700 metric tonnes annually, operate 264 days a year, and achieve revenue targets of Rs. 18.71 crore, Rs. 24.94 crore, and Rs. 27.68 crore over the next three years.

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As part of these measures, the Singapore Food Agency has instituted a hold-and-test regime for Indian spice consignments from specific brands for one month. This protocol is part of the broader efforts to ensure food safety and maintain the integrity of Indian spice exports.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha, stated that comprehensive guidelines have been issued to exporters to prevent EtO contamination at all stages. He emphasized that there is no ban on Indian spices in Singapore and Hong Kong.

“All food commodities, including spices, whether manufactured, processed domestically, or imported for consumption in India, must adhere to the food safety and standards regulations,” Prasada affirmed.

Additionally, in response to another query, Prasada mentioned that India and Sri Lanka are negotiating an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), which will cover both goods and services. He also highlighted the significant trade volume between India and its immediate neighbours, totalling USD 676.6 billion over the past five years.

These steps by the Spices Board reflect a commitment to uphold international food safety standards and ensure the quality of Indian spices in the global market.

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The session, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), took place from July 1-5 and focused on advancing global food standards. India’s participation in the executive committee (CCEXEC) of the CAC, as a geographically elected member from Asia, highlights its proactive role in the international food safety and quality landscape.

India’s Active Role at Codex Alimentarius Commission

G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), represented the country at the meeting held at the FAO headquarters. During the session, Rao emphasized the importance of strengthening standards for spices, which are crucial for India’s agricultural export economy.

“India, as a major producer and exporter of spices like cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla, is dedicated to the development and implementation of stringent quality standards to enhance global trade practices and ensure consumer safety,” Rao stated.

Support for Broader Food Safety Measures

In addition to spices, India also endorsed the development of standards for named vegetable oils, guidelines for controlling Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing. These measures are critical for safeguarding public health and promoting sustainability in the food industry.

Focus on Recycled Materials in Food Packaging

Reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, India championed the proposal for developing Codex guidelines on food safety considerations related to the use of recycled materials in food packaging. This initiative aligns with global efforts to tackle climate change and environmental protection.

India shared its successful experience with FSSAI’s guidelines on recycling post-consumer PET for food contact applications. These guidelines, aimed at promoting the safe use of recycled materials, received positive feedback from committee members and highlighted India’s leadership in integrating sustainability with food safety.

A Commitment to Global Food Standards

India’s active engagement in the Codex Alimentarius Commission demonstrates its dedication to establishing robust food safety standards and fostering fair practices in the international food trade. The country’s contributions to the development of global food guidelines underscore its pivotal role in the international food industry.

As the global community faces increasing challenges related to food safety, climate change, and sustainability, India’s leadership in advocating for stringent quality standards and innovative solutions is crucial. The country’s efforts at the CAC session in Rome are a testament to its ongoing commitment to global food safety and quality.

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is gearing up to take decisive action against prominent spice brands, including MDH and Everest, following revelations by Rajasthan health officials that these brands’ products contain pesticide and insecticide levels exceeding permissible limits. The state has requested FSSAI’s intervention to address the safety concerns related to these products.

Key Findings:

• Investigation Initiated: FSSAI has commenced an investigation into the matter and is expected to take measures ranging from imposing penalties to recalling affected products.
• State’s Request: Rajasthan’s health authorities had previously notified FSSAI about the presence of contaminants in the spices that make them unsafe for consumption.

A senior FSSAI official stated, “The tests conducted by Rajasthan did not find ethylene oxide (ETO), but they did identify insecticides and other contaminants above the allowable limits. We will take action according to the established regulations after thoroughly analyzing the reports.”

Recent Developments:

• Past Clearance: Just last month, FSSAI cleared MDH and Everest of any issues after a comprehensive nationwide check on spices. The regulator found these brands compliant with safety standards at that time.
• International Concerns: This scrutiny followed actions by Singapore and Hong Kong, which had suspended sales of certain spice blends from MDH and Everest due to concerns over high ETO levels, a substance known to pose cancer risks with prolonged exposure.

FSSAI had previously tested around 300 samples from various brands, including nine samples from Everest’s facilities in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and 25 samples from 11 manufacturing units of MDH. These tests covered a range of quality and safety parameters, including moisture content, insect contamination, pesticide residues, and more. The results showed no traces of ETO in the tested batches.

Spices are a significant export for India, with the country’s spice exports totaling $4.25 billion in the last fiscal year, representing 12% of global spice trade, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The current safety concerns could impact this crucial export sector.

As FSSAI proceeds with its investigation, the focus will be on ensuring compliance with safety standards and restoring consumer confidence in Indian spices. The potential repercussions for the implicated brands highlight the importance of maintaining stringent quality controls in the food sector.

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“We tested samples from both MDH and Everest. All 18 samples from MDH met the standards. However, some of the 12 samples from Everest did not comply. Everest has been instructed to take corrective measures, and we are working closely with them to ensure full compliance,” the official stated. Everest Spices did not respond to e-mail queries.

Different countries have varying MRLs for EtO, with the EU setting limits at 0.02-0.1 mg per kg, Singapore at 50 mg per kg, and Japan at 0.01 mg per kg. The tested samples adhered to the 0.1 mg per kg standard.

The government is actively engaged with the spice industry to address these evolving MRL requirements. “We’ve held three industry-wide consultations on this issue. The industry is exploring alternatives to EtO, including other technologies used by exporters,” the official added.

Efforts to improve compliance are yielding results, with increased adherence to standards and reduced rejection rates. Additionally, the government is conducting training programs with the US FDA and the World Trade Organization to build capacity among spice exporters to meet MRL requirements.

Spice exports have seen a significant increase, rising 12.27% to USD 405.62 million in April, demonstrating the industry’s resilience and commitment to maintaining high standards.

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The ban affects MDH’s madras curry powder, sambhar mixed masala powder, mixed masala curry powder, and Everest’s fish curry masala. The department cited suspicions of ethylene oxide contamination as the reason. Importers and traders have been instructed to recall these products from the Nepalese market.

“As residue contents of ethylene oxide are found to be exceeding the prescribed limit in these four products, the import and sale of these products are banned within the country as per Article 19 of the Food Regulation 2027 B.S.,” the department stated in a notice.

Matina Joshi Vaidya, the chief of the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, mentioned that Nepal lacks the laboratory resources to conduct these tests locally. “The ban will be lifted when Indian authorities declare it safe,” Vaidya added.

Ethylene oxide is utilized as a pesticide and a sterilizing agent in medical equipment and spices to prevent illnesses caused by bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, regular exposure to ethylene oxide increases the risk of certain cancers.

India, which exports over 200 varieties of spices to around 180 countries, reported a revenue of USD 4 billion from spices and related products in 2021–22, according to the Spices Board of India. However, the Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS) warned that unresolved issues related to ethylene oxide contamination could lead to a 40% decline in spice exports in FY25.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is currently examining the quality of powdered spices from various brands. Regulatory bodies in New Zealand, the US, India, and Australia are also investigating the matter. Both MDH and Everest maintain that their products are safe, though they have not responded to requests for comment.

Previously, Hong Kong suspended the sale of these spices in April, followed by a similar recall order from Singapore.

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Under the newly formulated guidelines, exporters are mandated to abstain from using ethylene oxide as a sterilizing or fumigating agent during any stage of production. Additionally, they are required to ensure that transporters, storage facilities, packaging suppliers, and all other stakeholders in the supply chain refrain from utilizing this hazardous chemical.

It is vital that the exporters implement rigorous testing protocols to detect EtO contamination in raw materials, processing aids, packaging materials, and finished goods. Any detection of EtO necessitates a thorough root cause analysis and the implementation of preventive measures to forestall future occurrences.

To mitigate the risk of contamination, exporters are encouraged to adopt alternative sterilization methods such as steam sterilization and irradiation, provided they are approved by the food regulator, FSSAI.

These guidelines come on the heels of recent bans imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore on popular spice brands, including MDH and Everest, due to the detection of ethylene oxide. Such incidents have prompted a mandatory recall of affected products, underscoring the urgency for stringent preventive measures.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of ensuring the absence of microbial contaminants in spices and herbs, with special attention given to rejecting products showing signs of pest damage, infestation, or mould growth.

Stringent measures are also recommended to prevent cross-contamination during the processing and packaging stages. Separate processing areas for potentially hazardous raw materials and end-products are advised, along with the use of non-porous packaging materials to safeguard against moisture and pest infestation.

In light of India’s significant contribution to the global spice trade, with exports totaling USD 4.25 billion in 2023–24, the implementation of these guidelines is crucial to upholding the reputation and integrity of Indian spices in international markets. With meticulous adherence to these guidelines, exporters aim to ensure the continued safety and quality of Indian spice products, preserving the country’s position as a leading player in the global spice trade.

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