The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has revoked licences from 111 spice producers due to excessive levels of ethylene oxide found in samples, according to media reports. These producers have been instructed to halt all production immediately. The action follows the detection of elevated ethylene oxide levels in spice samples from prominent Indian brands such as MDH, Everest, Badshah, and Catch. FSSAI plans to test approximately 4000 samples nationwide and may suspend additional licences beyond the initial 111, if necessary. Most of the affected licences belong to small-scale spice producers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh also under scrutiny by the regulatory body.

Earlier in June, MDH, Everest, Gajanand, Shyam, and Sheeba Taza were found to be unsuitable for consumption in Rajasthan after failing quality tests conducted by the state health department. Tests revealed the presence of acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, tricyclazole, profenofos, and other substances in various spice products, all exceeding permissible limits and posing potential health risks.