‘Asli Masale Sach Sach’: MDH Breaks Silence On Spices’ Ban; Says Didn’t Receive Test Reports From Singapore, Hong Kong

Indian spice-maker MDH Sunday issued a statement on the ban imposed on some of its products by food safety authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong, claiming that reports suggesting that Ethylene Oxide— a cancer-causing pesticide– was found in their spices, are “untrue” and “lack evidence”.

“We the manufacturers of MDH spices, we state that amidst speculations doing round that there is presence of ETO in our products, we clarify and state unequivocally that these claims are untrue and lack any substantiating evidence,” the company said in an official release.

‘Baseless claims, lack evidence’

The spice-maker asserted that neither the FSSAI nor the Spice Board of India, have received any test reports from the authorities in Singapore or Hong Kong in the matter.

“Additionally, MDH has not received any communication from regulatory authorities of Singapore or Hong Kong. Our statement is further supported by the fact that nodal regulatory authorities such as the Spice Board of India and FSSAl have not received any communication or test reports from Hong Kong or Singapore authorities regarding this matter,” MDH said.

They said that the lack of test reports, “reinforces the fact that the allegations against MDH are baseless, unsubstantiated, and not backed by any concrete evidence”.

‘Ethylene Oxide not used at any stage’

The company assured consumers that Ethylene Oxide is not used in their spices at any stage of processing, packing or storing.

“We reassure our buyers and consumers that we do not use Ethylene Oxide (ETO) at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our spices. Our impressive 105-year old legacy of providing high-quality products, emphasizes our dedication in maintaining the trust of our consumers.”

‘Asli Masale Sach Sach’

“MDH’s commitment to quality and safety shines through in our dedication to upholding the standards set by our late founding chairman, Mahashay Dharampal Gulati Ji whose legacy is being carried forwards by his son Mahashay Rajeev Gulati Ji Chairman MDH Group. Their ethos of only promoting and selling products that they themselves would consume underscores the company’s unwavering focus on producing safe and healthy spices,” the company’s release- said further.

“MDH Group reassures their consumers that we abides by Health and safety standards, both domestically and internationally. MDH tagline, “Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH,” and “Real Spices of India,” reflect the company’s genuine commitment to provide authentic, high-quality spices to their customers,” it added.

Hong Kong, MDH ban Indian spices

Food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore recently imposed a ban of some products of Indian spices’ brands, MDH and Everest after these were allegedly found to contain ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing pesticide, beyond permissible limits.

Following the ban, India had sought details from the food safety regulators of these countries as well as the two Indian spice-makers.

Officials said the Commerce Ministry has issued directions to Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong to send a detailed report on the matter, and also sought details from the Indian firms — MDH and Everest, whose certain products have been banned by the two countries.