Not Just Masalas, EU Now Finds Cancer-Causing Chemicals In 332 Indian Food Items
Lately, popular Indian spice brands MDH and Everest made headlines for the wrong reasons after food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore alleged that they contain a cancer-causing pesticide. Now, reports by the Eurporean Union suggest that it's not just these spices, but many other foods that also contain such chemicals.
332 contaminated food items from India
In a surprising finding, the European Union's food safety authorities have identified cancer-causing substances in over 300 food items from India.?
This matter gained attention when well-known Indian spice brands like MDH and Everest were investigated for reportedly having higher levels of a chemical called ethylene oxide than allowed.
Following the ban imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore on these spices, the European Union has also taken action, indicating the widespread extent of this contamination.
Ethylene oxide isn't allowed for food use in the EU, and its discovery has resulted in 87 shipments being turned away at the border, while many others were taken off the shelves.?
The items tested covered various categories, with most being nuts and sesame seeds (313), herbs and spices (60), dietetic foods (48), and other miscellaneous food items (34).
Out of the 527 flagged items, 525 were food products and 2 were animal feed. Among these, 332 items were solely from India, while others had mixed origins.
In response, the FSSAI has started thorough quality inspections on the affected spices and other food products to ensure they comply with safety regulations.
What is?Ethylene oxide and how is it harmful?
Ethylene oxide, a clear gas often used as a pesticide and for sterilisation, was initially meant for sterilising medical tools but is now used in farming.?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorises ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it's likely to cause cancer in humans.
Being exposed to ethylene oxide raises the risk of different cancers, like lymphoma and leukemia, because it harms DNA. Its effects can show up immediately or over time. The danger isn't just from eating it; even touching contaminated items can be harmful.
For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit?Indiatimes News.? ?
