Recently, the Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS) has issued a grave warning regarding the future of India’s spice exports. On Friday, the organization forecasted that India’s spice exports could drop by nearly 40% in the financial year 2025 if the issue of ethylene oxide (EtO) contamination is not promptly addressed. Ethylene oxide, a compound often considered a mysterious ally, plays a crucial role in preserving the quality and safety of these culinary treasures.
Spice Sterilization takes us into the complex world where spices are not just ingredients but symbols of culture, flavor, and safety.India is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of spices, offering a diverse range that includes turmeric, cumin, coriander, and various spice blends. The current contamination crisis threatens to severely damage the global reputation of Indian spices. FISS’s prediction of a 40% decline in exports is based on the ongoing bans and recalls, coupled with increasing scrutiny from international food safety authorities.
Imagine entering a lively spice market, where every vibrant color and rich aroma tells a story. However, beneath this sensory feast lies a challenge: the invisible threats of microbial contamination. Here, EtO acts as a silent guardian, capable of neutralizing harmful microorganisms that could compromise the safety and quality of spices destined for kitchens worldwide.
The historical use of EtO by Indian firms, spanning several decades, highlights its effectiveness in ensuring the microbiological safety of spices. Far from being a mysterious chemical, EtO is a versatile sterilizing agent, meticulously eliminating contaminants such as E. coli, coliform bacteria, aflatoxins, and yeast. Unlike pesticides that leave residues, EtO dissipates after its work, leaving spices pure and untainted.
The EtO sterilization process is akin to a delicate dance. Spices are placed in a chamber where they are exposed to EtO gas under controlled conditions. Precision is crucial here—the concentration and exposure time are carefully calibrated to neutralize contaminants without altering the intrinsic qualities of the spices. Post-treatment, aeration completes the process, ensuring that the spices are pristine and ready for consumption.
Regulatory bodies across continents, such as the FDA and EFSA, recognize EtO’s efficacy in combating microbiological hazards. Stringent guidelines and residue limits are established, highlighting EtO’s role as a steadfast defender of spice purity. Safety protocols governing its handling, application, and testing are meticulously followed, ensuring comprehensive safety for all involved.
The Spices Board has issued detailed guidelines aimed at preventing Ethylene Oxide (ETO) contamination in spices, prompted by recalls of Indian spice products in Nepal, Singapore and Hong Kong and ongoing examinations by the US and Australia. The guidelines explicitly advise against the use of ETO as a sterilizing agent due to its significant health risks. Instead, they recommend safer alternatives such as steam sterilization, which uses high-temperature steam to kill microorganisms without chemicals, and irradiation, which involves exposing spices to ionizing radiation to eliminate pathogens (though this is not applicable to organic products under the National Programme for Organic Production standards).
Exporters must adhere to these guidelines to ensure their products meet the safety standards of importing countries, thereby maintaining and potentially expanding market access by preventing recalls and enhancing product safety. The shift to safer sterilization methods underscores a commitment to consumer health and safety. These guidelines align with global safety standards, potentially easing regulatory scrutiny in international markets, and improving the quality and safety of Indian spices, benefiting both consumers and exporters. The Spices Board’s proactive approach aims to address contamination issues and ensure the safety of Indian spices in the global market, requiring exporters to adopt the recommended alternatives to ETO to comply with international standards and maintain their market presence.
Source: The Economics Times