Recently, Hong Kong and Singapore banning the sale of popular brands after detecting the carcinogenic chemical ethylene oxide in their products.
The Spices Board has come out with comprehensive guidelines for exporters to prevent ethylene oxide (EtO) contamination in the products shipped from India.
It asked to take effective measures to prevent cross-contamination of spices and herbs by direct or indirect contact with potentially contaminated material at all stages of the processing.
They are encouraged to use the alternate methods of sterilisation like steam sterilization; irradiation.
In 2023-24, India's spice exports totalled USD 4.25 billion, accounting for a 12 per cent share of the global spice exports.
The world spice trade is worth USD 35 billion in 2023.
China is the top exporter with exports of USD 8 billion in 2023.