Indian Spices : Nearly 12% of tested spice samples failed to meet quality and safety standards, according to tests conducted by Indian authorities after several countries took strict action over quality risks in two popular Indian spice brands. In April, Hong Kong banned the sale of some mixes of the MDH and Everest brands due to high levels of pesticides. Following this, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India carried out inspection, sampling, and testing of these spices. Reuters has compiled the data of these samples, as per ET report.

These countries took steps

Britain tightened controls on all spice imports from India after high levels of pesticides were found in Indian brands' spices, while New Zealand, the US, and Australia have said they are looking into the issues with brands.

Spices reach many countries

MDH and Everest have said their products are safe. Their spices are most popular in India - the world's largest exporter, producer, and consumer of spices. These brands of spices are exported to Europe, Asia, and North America.

When were the samples taken?

Data obtained by Reuters under India's Right to Information Act shows that of the 4,054 samples tested between May and early July, 474 did not meet quality and safety parameters, ET reported.

According to Zion Market Research, India's domestic spice market was worth $10.44 billion in 2022. Its exports of spices and spice products stood at a record $4.46 billion in the financial year ended March.