The European Union has reported alarming levels of a cancer-causing chemical, ethylene oxide, in various Indian products, including those labeled as organic, raising significant concerns about food safety standards and public health implications.
The findings of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), published on April 23, 2024, revealed that out of 2026 samples analyzed for ethylene oxide, 47 samples (2.3%) exceeded the permissible Maximum Residue Level (MRL). Of those, six samples were of curcuma coming from India, five samples were of chilli peppers from India and Uganda, five samples of peppercorn from India, Vietnam and Lebanon and four samples of dried beans from India.” It adds, “Due to the still significant number of residues reported, EFSA recommends monitoring ethylene oxide in line with the latest revision of the increase of official controls Regulation (EU).”
The presence of ethylene oxide, a chemical often used as a sterilizing agent in the agriculture and food processing sectors, is particularly concerning due to its classification as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This implies a proven cancer risk to humans, with long-term exposure significantly elevating the chances of lymphoid and breast cancers.
Dr. Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, a senior consultant at Sparsh Hospital Bengaluru, highlighted the serious public health risks associated with ethylene oxide. In response to the EFSA’s report, he stated that the “Indian regulatory authorities, such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), need to implement stringent monitoring mechanisms to detect and control ethylene oxide use.” This includes regular testing of food products and compliance with safety standards, along with comprehensive training and education programs for producers and exporters.
Other countries have also taken note of the issue, with both Singapore and Hong Kong issuing recalls for affected products from popular Indian spice brands like MDH and Everest. The European Union, having banned the substance since 2011, found ethylene oxide in 527 food products from India, including nuts, sesame seeds, herbs, spices, and dietetic foods. These developments followed the EU’s tightened official controls on imports.
Given the serious health risks, the EFSA has recommended countries to investigate the reasons for these findings and to widen the analytical scope in organic samples as extensively as possible. While alternatives to ethylene oxide are being explored, such as ozone and heat treatments, immediate action is required to ensure the safety of food products and to maintain consumer trust in Indian exports.
The industry-wide impacts of this report are vast, with potential economic consequences for India’s export market. The European Union has called for increased monitoring and a deeper investigation into the presence of ethylene oxide. Meanwhile, Indian authorities have been responding to the international fallout, seeking detailed reports from the spice-making companies involved and directing embassies to gather more information.
The Indian government and regulatory bodies are under pressure to bolster their food safety mechanisms and ensure the products reaching international markets are free from such hazardous contaminants. While the use of ethylene oxide is reportedly widespread due to its affordability and efficacy in eliminating microbial threats like salmonella and E. coli, the lack of comprehensive testing for this chemical poses a significant challenge.
Relevant articles:
– EU finds cancer-causing chemical in many Indian products, including organic foods: ‘Reporting countries are recommended to investigate the reasons’, indianexpress.com, 04/28/2024
– causing chemicals in popular Indian spice brands, The Times of India, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 04:50:00 GMT
– EU Cancer Causing Indian Food: Cancer-causing chemicals found in 527 Indian food items by EU food safety authorities, The Times of India, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 04:35:00 GMT
– European Union Bans 527 Indian Food Products: Here’s What Prompted The Decision, Republic World, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 07:16:00 GMT
– causing chemical in 527 Indian food products: Report, Garavi Gujarat, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:40:37 GMT