• UGI USER
  • May 22, 2024
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“FSSAI FINDS NO ETHYLENE OXIDE IN PAN-INDIA SPICE TESTING”

Why in the news?

  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted a nationwide test of key spice brands, finding no ethylene oxide (ETO) residue in the samples analysed.
  • This action followed recalls of Everest and MDH spices in Hong Kong and Singapore due to ETO contamination, prompting stringent testing and new export guidelines by the Spice Board.

About Ethylene Oxide:

  • Purpose: Effective fumigant and sterilant.
  • Flammable gas with a somewhat sweet odor.Dissolves easily in water.
  • Clear, colorless gas with an ethereal odor.
  • Microbial Control: Kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores.
  • Applications: Used for sterilizing food, spices, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Impacts: Chronic exposure can lead to irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.
  • Safety: Toxic and potentially carcinogenic, requiring strict regulations and safety measures.
 Source:wordpress
About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):

  • Establishment: Autonomous statutory body under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
  • Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
  • Headquarters: Delhi.
  • FSSAI Establishment: 2008
  • Operational Start: 2011, after notification of its Rules and key Regulations.
  • Control Shift: From a multi-level to a single line of control with an emphasis on self-compliance rather than purely regulatory measures.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/india-mandates-ethylene-oxide-testing-for-spice-exports-to-asia/

https://universalinstitutions.com/spices-board-inspecting-mdh-everest-plants-to-ensure-compliance/