Limit stocking of branded spices, says FMCG distributors' association.
Industry body advises caution on stocking branded spices as India's food regulator tests for ethylene oxide.
Mumbai: The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), representing distributors of fast-moving consumer goods nationwide, has issued a cautionary advisory to spice distributors, urging them to limit their stocking of branded spices. This advisory follows reports of India's top food regulator testing spice brands for quality, raising concerns about potential scrutiny by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and its implications for human health and product sales.
The move comes after samples of Indian spices were found to exceed permissible levels of ethylene oxide in certain overseas markets. Consequently, FSSAI has instructed state food commissioners to collect samples from manufacturing units of major spice brands across India for testing.
While companies like MDH have denied using ethylene oxide in their spice production, the AICPDF emphasizes that the advisory applies to all spice brands in the market. The federation's national president, Dhairyashil Patil, underscores the significance of the issue given India's substantial spice market, valued at ₹67,500 crore in 2020, with branded spices accounting for ₹24,000 crore.
Patil cautions against heavy stocking of these products due to the risk of potential restrictions, which could lead to financial losses for retailers. He advises a restrained approach until clearance is obtained from the authorities.
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