Ban on MDH, Everest masala: India seeks details from food regulators of Singapore, Hong Kong
New Delhi (PTI): India, the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, has sought details from food safety regulators of Singapore and Hong Kong, which has banned certain spices of Indian brands MDH and Everest due to quality concerns.
The commerce ministry has also directed Indian embassies in both Singapore and Hong Kong to send a detailed report on the matter.
The ministry has also sought details from the Indian firms -- MDH and Everest, whose products have been banned for allegedly containing pesticide 'ethylene oxide' beyond permissible limits.
"Details have been sought from the companies. Root cause of the rejection and corrective actions will be determined along with the exporters concerned," a commerce ministry official said.
Technical details, analytical reports and the details of the exporters whose consignments have been rejected have been sought from Embassies at Singapore and Hong Kong, the official said.
Details have also been sought from Singapore Food Agency and Centre for Food Safety, and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Hong Kong, the official added.
The ministry official mentioned that an industry consultation is also scheduled to discuss the issue of mandatory testing of ethylene oxide in spice shipments to Singapore and Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the Spices Board of India is looking into the ban imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore on the sale of four spice-mix products of Indian brands MDH and Everest.
The Food safety regulator of Hong Kong has asked consumers not to buy these products and traders not to sell, the Singapore Food Agency has directed a recall of the products.
In 2022-23 fiscal, the country exported spices worth nearly Rs 32,000 crore. Chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder and cardamom are major spices exported.
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Elephant attacks man riding his children to school in Belthangady
Belthangady: In a shocking incident, a wild elephant attacked a man and his two children while they were on their way to school on a bike in Shishila village on Wednesday morning. The attack left the trio injured and their bike completely destroyed.
The victim, Vasantha Gowda, a resident of Kallaje in Shishila, was riding his bike to drop his children, Lavya and Advith, at Perla School in Shibaje village. The incident occurred around 8:30 AM when a lone elephant suddenly emerged on a curve in the road.
Startled by the sudden appearance of the animal, Vasantha Gowda braked abruptly, causing the bike to topple. All three fell to the ground, sustaining injuries to their arms and legs. As the elephant advanced, they managed to escape the scene, leaving their bike behind.
The elephant then approached the fallen bike, smashed it with its trunk, and completely crushed it underfoot.
The attack has heightened concerns among residents of Belthangady taluk, where incidents of human-elephant conflict have been rising. Locals have called on the Forest Department to take measures to prevent such encounters and ensure the safety of residents.
