New Delhi-based Mahashian Di Hatti Private Limited, better known as MDH spice company, is subject to controversy with Singapore and Hong Kong bringing the sales of its products to a halt. Another popular brand, Everest Spices, also faces the ban due to concerns over high levels of carcinogenic ethylene oxide detected in its products.
The United States customs authorities had reportedly turned away 31% of MDH’s spice shipments on the grounds of salmonella contamination over the last six months. The shipments, which included spices, flavors, and salts, were all rejected.
Data from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reveals that in just one year – between October 2022 and September 2023 – the rejection rate was 15%. During an FDA inspection of MDH’s manufacturing plant in January 2022, unsanitary conditions were noticed onsite. The equipment and utensils that were used for the production of spices were unclean and poorly maintained. When unhygienic practices happen right through the value chain – from harvesting to processing and packaging – Salmonella contamination is highly likely. – editor@nrifocus.com
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