Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:40pm on 24 Apr 2024,Wednesday Business
European Union's food safety authorities have flagged 527 Indian food items for containing ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing chemical. Most affected products include nuts and sesame seeds (313), herbs and spices (60) such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, and dietetic foods (48). Ethylene oxide, used for sterilization, poses health risks including lymphoma and leukemia. While 87 consignments were rejected at the border, many were removed from markets later. Experts emphasize the need for safer alternatives and urge government intervention. Despite warnings and advisories, including from the Spices Board in 2021, Indian products have not met the EU's safety standards, with concerns over exposure to ethylene glycol and other toxic byproducts persisting.
