The best-known recalls of Indian spice products abroad were caused by ethylene oxide (ETO) residues. In 2024, food safety authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore acted against some spice mix products from Indian brands after finding ETO, which drew wide attention.
Since then, Indian authorities and exporters have increased ETO testing, and importers have tightened their own specifications. The underlying lesson is older: a spice can look and taste fine and still fail a residue test.
The ETO problem
ETO is a fumigant that was once used to reduce microbes in spices and seeds. Its use on food is not permitted in the EU, and the EU sets its residue limits at the limit of quantification, so even traces fail. Several other markets also treat it as unacceptable in food.
From 2020, the EU found ETO residues in sesame seeds from India. That led to large recalls across Europe and stricter checks on Indian sesame and spices. The 2024 cases in Asia showed the issue was not limited to one product or one market. Our guide to ETO treatment and EU rejections covers the chemistry and testing.
Other causes of recalls
- Salmonella: spices from many origins, including India, have been recalled for Salmonella, especially when sold for use without cooking.
- Illegal dyes: Sudan dyes in chilli products caused major recalls in the UK and Europe in the past.
- Lead: turmeric and some coloured powders have been linked to lead contamination, including lead chromate used to brighten colour.
- Pesticide residues above the importing country's limits.
- Undeclared allergens, for example wheat or mustard in a blend that does not list them.
What changed in India
After the 2024 cases, the Spices Board of India issued guidance to exporters on preventing ETO contamination and introduced testing for ETO on spice shipments to some markets. FSSAI also carried out testing of spice products sold in India. The detail of these measures can change, so check the current position with the Spices Board and FSSAI.
More exporters now offer ETO testing on every lot, use steam sterilisation instead of chemical fumigation, and ask their raw material suppliers for declarations. The EU has also kept some Indian products under increased checks at the border. Check the current list with the European Commission or your national authority.
What it means for your order
Recalls usually come from the gap between what a supplier promises and what it actually controls. Our guide on why quality drops after the first container explains how that gap opens. To close it, take these steps.
- Write "no ETO treatment" into your spec and require testing for ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol.
- Ask how the product is sterilised, and see the steriliser if you can.
- Test each lot at an independent, accredited lab, not just the first shipment.
- Include tests for prohibited dyes, lead and Salmonella where they apply to the spice.
- Check the label and allergen declaration for your market before printing.
How we help
We audit grinders for their sterilisation method and raw material controls, and have every lot tested for ETO and the other risks that apply at a NABL-accredited lab. You see the original reports before you pay the balance. To check your spice supply chain, ask for a free sourcing review.