Between 2019 and 2024, over 400 export-quality products from India were flagged by the European Union (EU) for containing contaminants, as reported by Deccan Herald. This adds to their earlier report on EU countries finding the cancer-causing chemical ethylene oxide in 527 Indian products.
Among these products, fourteen were found to contain lead, a known substance that can harm various organs. Additionally, metals such as mercury and cadmium were detected, particularly in fish and other items.
“As many as 21 products contained cadmium, which raises the risk of chronic kidney disease as well as cardiovascular disease,” the report stated.
The report highlighted that a minimum of 59 products harbored pesticides classified as carcinogenic. Notably, chemicals such as tricyclazole, a fungicide banned in the EU due to its carcinogenic and genotoxic characteristics, were identified in rice, herbs, and spices.
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More than 52 products were found to harbor multiple pesticides or fungicides, with some containing as many as five different chemicals.
Recently, it was reported that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has permitted a tenfold increase in the maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides, as compared to previous allowances.
According to the Deccan Herald report, 20 products were found to contain 2-chloroethanol, a toxic byproduct of ethylene oxide. Additionally, ochratoxin A, a banned mycotoxin, was detected in 10 products, including chillies, coffee, and rice.
Back in April, the ban on spice mixes exported by Mahashian Di Hatti (MDH) Pvt Ltd and Everest in Singapore and Hong Kong had caused a stir. Additionally, reports emerged that United States customs authorities had rejected 31% of all spice-related shipments from MDH due to salmonella contamination over the past six months.
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According to the latest report, salmonella contamination was detected in “organic shatavari, ashwagandha, and sesame seeds,” among 100 other products.
The FSSAI informed Deccan Herald that measures have been implemented to guarantee the safety of food products within the country. Additionally, it clarified that food products exported are not within its jurisdiction.
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