U.K. tightens scrutiny of all Indian spice imports amid contamination allegations

Britain's FSA tightens spice import controls from India due to contamination concerns, setting a global precedent.

Britain's food watchdog has applied extra control measures on all spice imports from India, it said on Wednesday, becoming the first to ramp up scrutiny of all Indian spices after contamination allegations against two brands sparked concerns among global food regulators.

Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends produced by MDH and one by Everest, saying they contained high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide.

Explained | Why are Indian spices facing the heat?

Singapore also ordered a recall of the Everest mix, and New Zealand, the United States, India and Australia have since said they are looking into issues related to the two brands.

MDH and Everest — two of India's most popular brands — have said their products are safe for consumption.

In the most stringent crackdown so far impacting all Indian spices, the U.K.'s Food Standards Agency (FSA) said that in light of the concerns it has "applied extra control measures for pesticide residues in spices from India which includes ethylene oxide".

The agency did not elaborate on the exact steps it is taking.