Maha bans sale of loose spice powders to curb adulteration

New Delhi: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of loose and unpackaged spice powders and mixed spices. This step has been taken to make packaging and sealing at the place of production mandatory to curb adulteration and contamination.

The use of ethylene oxide for spice sterilisation has also been prohibited, citing concerns over its potential carcinogenic effects.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said on October 15 that the order covering the production, processing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of spices applies to manufacturers, traders, wholesalers, retailers, e-commerce operators, hotels, eateries, caterers and institutional kitchens.

The order covers products including turmeric, chilli, coriander, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, asafoetida, saffron, poppy seeds, garam masala and curry powder.

Mundhe said that the spices must be packed and sealed at the production site before distribution or sale.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India