Britain’s food watchdog has implemented additional control measures on all spice imports from India following contamination allegations against two popular brands. 

The decision, announced on Wednesday, marks the first instance of increased scrutiny on all Indian spices by any country, raising concerns among global food regulators.

The move comes after Hong Kong suspended sales of three spice blends produced by MDH and one by Everest, citing high levels of the cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide. 

Following this, Singapore ordered a recall of the Everest mix, and authorities in New Zealand, the United States, India, and Australia announced they were investigating the issue.

MDH and Everest, two of India’s most renowned spice brands, have asserted that their products are safe for consumption. Despite their assurances, the U.K.’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has taken the most stringent action by applying additional control measures for pesticide residues in all spices imported from India, including ethylene oxide.

The FSA did not specify the exact steps it will take under these new control measures. However, the agency’s focus on ethylene oxide underscores the seriousness of the contamination concerns.

India’s Spices Board, responsible for regulating exports, has yet to comment. 

India is the largest exporter, consumer, and producer of spices globally. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Britain imported $128 million worth of spices in 2022, with India accounting for nearly $23 million of that total.

MDH and Everest have a broad export reach, supplying their products to regions including the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. The recent allegations and subsequent actions by various countries highlight the global impact and importance of maintaining stringent food safety standards.