FSSAI Tightens Food Safety Norms Amid Concerns Over Indian Spices

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its food safety regulations following the detection of carcinogenic substances in Indian spices, leading to heightened global scrutiny.

In April 2024, health authorities in Hong Kong flagged spice blends from prominent Indian brands due to the presence of ethylene oxide, a potentially cancer-causing chemical. The discovery led to product recalls and increased monitoring of Indian spice exports by international agencies.

In response to these concerns, FSSAI conducted a comprehensive quality and safety assessment of Indian spice products.

Between May and early July 2024, the agency tested 4,054 spice samples, revealing that nearly 12% failed to meet established safety and quality benchmarks.

The findings have prompted urgent regulatory action against manufacturers violating safety norms.

“We are committed to ensuring that all food products in India meet the highest safety standards. Stricter regulations and enhanced monitoring mechanisms will be enforced to protect consumer health and uphold India’s reputation as a global spice exporter,” an FSSAI spokesperson stated.

The regulatory body has issued directives to spice manufacturers, mandating stringent quality control measures and adherence to international safety standards.

Further, FSSAI is expected to introduce new testing protocols and compliance requirements to prevent contamination and maintain product integrity.

The crackdown has triggered concerns within the spice industry, with manufacturers and exporters facing increased scrutiny from both domestic and international regulatory bodies.

Industry experts anticipate that these measures will drive long-term improvements in food safety while restoring consumer confidence in Indian spice products.

As India remains one of the largest spice producers and exporters globally, the tightening of food safety norms by FSSAI marks a critical step toward ensuring the quality and safety of its agricultural exports.

Authorities have urged manufacturers to comply with the revised standards to avoid further penalties and trade disruptions.

For consumers, the reinforced regulations aim to provide greater assurance about the safety of food products available in the market, ensuring that Indian spices continue to be a trusted commodity both locally and internationally.

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