The food standards watchdog has raised the alarm on growing concerns about the black market spice industry.
MDH and Everest, two of India’s most popular spice brands, are among those in question after Singapore and Hong Kong halted sales last month after suspecting elevated levels of ethylene oxide.
According to The Telegraph, these brands are frequently sold in independent shops in England and are available to buy online via Amazon and eBay.
While both brands have claimed that their products are safe for consumption, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has called for extra controls on all Indian spice imports as a precautionary measure.
The food safety body expressed safety concerns over the possibility of the “cancer-causing pesticide residue” (ethylene oxide) in products sold to UK retailers.
Natasha Smith, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, said: “The use of ethylene oxide is not allowed here, and maximum residue levels are in place for herbs and spices. If there is any unsafe food on the market, the FSA will take rapid action to ensure consumers are protected.”
In smaller amounts, ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide and a sterilising agent in dry food products (seeds, herbs and spices), as explained by the National Cancer Institute.
The watchdog has shared its growing concerns over wider criminal activity that has implicated spices imported to the UK.
Described as a “lucrative” black market within the spice industry, an FSA-commissioned report published in February divulged the use of cheap substitutes to bulk out products.
Which spices are most at risk?
Oregano
This green herb is commonly mixed with olive and myrtle leaves. In 2015, Which? discovered up to 70 percent of dried oregano seasoning sold in packets and jars across the UK was faked.
Black pepper
With a high economic value in the market, this kitchen staple is incredibly susceptible to food fraud and is often laced with papaya seeds (which are cheap and readily available).
Chilli powder
Renowned for its heat, chilli powder has been found to contain brick powder, salt, talc powder and soapstone, as well as chemical dyes to artificially enhance its colour.
One of the most prevalent is a common red dye known as ‘Sudan I’, which is often used in polish, oils, solvents and waxes. Despite being banned in the UK and Europe, there are concerns it is being used in some UK imports due to poor border port controls.
The FSA report, which was conducted with Queen’s University, found that “authenticity testing” of herbs and spices is not being carried out at British ports as there is no statutory requirement. Food security professor who led the Government’s response to the horse meat scandal, Christopher Elliot, supported these claims.
He told the Telegraph: “There is so much evidence that spices contain some dangerous pathogens and can also be subject to massive fraud. So I think it’s a glaring loophole in the border model.
“There are a myriad of different issues about spices, particularly if they’re being adulterated, because you just don’t know what they’re being adulterated with. It could be chalk dust, it could be brick dust – anything really that criminals can get their hands on.”
