The United States has reportedly refused almost a third of shipments from Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd (MDH) since October 2023 due to salmonella contamination. In 2022, US customs authorities denied entry to almost 15 percent of MDH shipments, which doubled to almost 31 percent in 2023. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of Everest Food Products due to a positive test for Salmonella.
Actions in Other Countries:
- Singapore and Hong Kong authorities have taken actions on Indian spice brands, including MDH and Everest, over the presence of the cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide in multiple spice mixes.
- The Centre For Food Safety of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region discovered ethylene oxide in three spice mixes from MDH Group.
Specific Incidents:
- Hong Kong: Spices like Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder from MDH Group were found to contain ethylene oxide.
- Singapore: Everest Group’s Fish Curry Masala was discovered to have pesticide contamination, exceeding permissible limits of ethylene oxide.
Health Risks:
- Ethylene oxide is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, posing severe health risks, including an elevated risk of breast cancer.
- Salmonella, according to the US FDA and CDC, can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What percentage of Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd (MDH) shipments did US customs authorities reportedly refuse since October 2023?
- a) Almost 15 percent
- b) Almost 31 percent
- c) Almost 50 percent
- d) Almost 70 percent
- Answer: b) Almost 31 percent
- Which organization issued a recall of Everest Food Products in 2023 due to a positive test for Salmonella?
- a) United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- b) Centre For Food Safety of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- c) International Agency for Research on Cancer
- d) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Answer: a) United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- What carcinogenic substance was found in the spice mixes from MDH Group in Hong Kong?
- a) Lead
- b) Ethylene oxide
- c) Mercury
- d) Arsenic
- Answer: b) Ethylene oxide
- What health risks are associated with ethylene oxide exposure?
- a) Elevated risk of lung cancer
- b) Elevated risk of breast cancer
- c) Elevated risk of liver cancer
- d) Elevated risk of skin cancer
- Answer: b) Elevated risk of breast cancer
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), how does Salmonella primarily spread to humans?
- a) Through contaminated water
- b) Through airborne transmission
- c) Through contact with infected animals or their environment
- d) Through consumption of contaminated vegetables
- Answer: c) Through contact with infected animals or their environment