Indian Spices Under Scrutiny: A Global Wake-Up Call on Safety and Quality

Indian spices have long held a revered place in kitchens across the world, celebrated for their intense flavour, versatility, and centuries-old heritage. From curries and stews to teas and desserts, they are the heart of Indian cuisine and a major part of global food culture.

India remains a dominant player in this market, producing and exporting over 200 varieties of spices to around 180 countries, with exports valued at approximately $4 billion annually. Domestically, the spice market is even larger, estimated at $10 billion. However, recent safety concerns have cast a shadow over this thriving industry, raising urgent questions about quality control and food safety.

Contamination Concerns Shake Consumer Confidence

Recently, Singapore and Hong Kong halted the sale of certain Indian spice brands due to the presence of ethylene oxide, a pesticide classified as a carcinogen. This sparked global concern, prompting several food regulatory agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin investigating.

A Reuters analysis of FDA data revealed that since 2021, 14.5% of Indian spice shipments to the US were rejected due to contamination, mostly from bacteria such as Salmonella. The implications for consumer health and trust are serious and mounting.

A Growing International Reaction

The European Union has also detected ethylene oxide in shipments of chilli peppers and peppercorns from India. Other nations, including Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Australia, are conducting their own tests. Should more countries join in, the ripple effect could disrupt India’s spice trade significantly, potentially putting half of its global exports at risk.

Why This Issue Matters?

India’s reputation as the “spice bowl of the world” is built on centuries of tradition and trust. Spices like chilli, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cardamom form the backbone of exports to markets including the United States, China, the UK, and Bangladesh. These recent concerns are especially alarming because they involve some of India’s most established spice brands—names trusted in households globally.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated event. In 2014, a biochemistry study found high levels of lead contamination in certain spice colourings. In April 2024, over 60,000 kg of adulterated spices, including turmeric, chilli powder, coriander, and pickle masala, were seized in Gujarat.

Government and Industry Response

India’s food safety agencies are now in damage control mode:

• The Spices Board of India has issued directives to spice producers to eliminate harmful substances such as ethylene oxide.

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is conducting safety tests on a wide range of samples.

• The Health Ministry asserts that India has some of the strictest Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in the world, though enforcement has come into question.

However, the FDA’s findings point to systemic issues like poor sanitation and inadequate processing standards at some facilities, indicating that policy enforcement still has a long way to go.

Could This Impact Long-Term Exports?

Yes, significantly.

India has previously faced long-term export issues with products like mangoes, due to pesticide residue violations. If key trading partners like the EU or China implement stricter bans or start rejecting consignments, it could lead to a sharp decline in export revenues and a loss of global credibility.

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has warned that unless swift action is taken, India’s position in the global spice trade could be irreversibly damaged.

Time for Greater Transparency and Awareness

One critical issue is the lack of consumer awareness. As food historian Colleen Taylor Sen notes, many consumers rarely think about where their spices come from or how they’re processed. But that’s changing and fast. Growing media attention and health-conscious trends are pushing consumers to demand cleaner labels, traceability, and assurance of safety.

What Needs to Change?

To safeguard its legacy and meet evolving global standards, India must:

• Strengthen regulatory enforcement across all processing and export units.

• Invest in modern food testing infrastructure to detect contaminants quickly.

• Educate producers and exporters on international compliance and safety practices.

• Provide greater transparency in labelling, sourcing, and testing results.

  
  

These reforms are not optional, they’re essential. Without them, the country risks eroding decades of trust in Indian spices.

The Road Ahead

India’s spice industry is at a crossroads. These recent contamination concerns, while serious, also present an opportunity for a major reset. By embracing higher safety standards, sustainable practices, and global transparency, India can not only protect its exports but strengthen its leadership in the global food market.

For consumers, the takeaway is clear: choose brands that prioritise quality, testing, and transparency. As food safety takes centre stage worldwide, the brands that adapt will be the ones that endure.