Rejection of MDH Spices in USA: Salmonella Contamination

30 Apr 2024

Context:

Recently, there’s been a notable rise in the rejection of Indian spice shipments in various countries.

More on the news:

  • Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd: Increased Rejections
    • In the past six months, about one-third of Mahashian Di Hatti (MDH) Pvt Ltd’s spice shipments to the US were turned away due to salmonella contamination.
    • Additionally, Singapore and Hong Kong have suspended the sale of several products from both MDH and Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd due to alleged detection of a cancer-causing pesticide (ethylene oxide) in their products.
      • The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies the ethylene oxide (chemical) as a Group 1 carcinogen.

About Salmonella:

  • Salmonella is a type of bacteria.
  • It can make people sick, causing diarrheal illness.
  • Intestinal tract: It mainly affects the stomach and intestines.
    • People usually get salmonella infections from eating food that has the bacteria on it, like undercooked or contaminated food, or drinking water that’s contaminated.
  • Transmission: Salmonella is highly contagious and can spread in various ways: 
    • From person-to-food-to-person, 
    • From animals to people directly or through food, 
    • From person-to-person.
  • Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
    • According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The symptoms of a salmonella infection include 
      • Diarrhea
      • stomach cramps
      • Fever
      • Nausea 
      • sometimes vomiting

Spices Market in India

  • India is recognised as the largest producer of spices worldwide. 
  • It produces 75 varieties out of 109 varieties, listed by  the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 
  • Major exported spices are
    • pepper, cardamom, chilli, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils and oleoresins. 
    • Statistics for 2023 and 2024
      • In 2023, India’s exports for spices were around US$ 3.73 billion.
      • In 2023- 2024 (till feb), India’s exports for spices were around US$ 3.67 billion.
  • Largest spices producing states in India 
    • Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka.
    • Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Reason for Salmonella being dangerous 

Salmonella is dangerous for several reasons:

  • Serious illness: It can cause serious illness in vulnerable groups like children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. 
    • These groups may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
      • In summer, Such infections are more common than in the winter.
        • Though most healthy adults recover without needing medical attention:
  • Antibiotic-resistant: Certain strains of salmonella are becoming antibiotic-resistant, making them harder to treat with traditional medication. 
    • This can lead to serious complications.

Government Initiatives: Spices Production

  • Export development and promotion of spices: This initiative was taken by the spices board of India. 
    • This initiative promotes spices of indian brand, setup infrastructure in spice growing centres. 
    • Objective: To support exporters to use advanced technology
      • Upgradation of existing technology for the growth of the industry
  • Setting up of spices parks: The board started establishing  eight crop-specific Spices Parks in key production areas and market hubs. 
    • Objective: This initiative intends to help farmers in getting better prices and wide market access for their crops. 
      • Apart from the above, it aims to create a comprehensive system for spice cultivation, post harvesting, processing, value edition, and storage of spices. 

Additional Reading: foodsafetymantra

 

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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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