MDH and Everest: US health officials probe Indian spice pesticide claims

MDH and Everest: US Health Officials Investigate Indian Spice Pesticide Claims Officials in the United States are taking action to investigate claims that spice mixes produced by Indian brands MDH and Everest may contain a harmful pesticide called ethylene oxide. This comes after several countries express concerns about the potential health risks associated with these popular spice products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has begun testing samples of MDH and Everest spice mixes to determine the presence and levels of ethylene oxide. This pesticide is commonly used as a fumigant and an industrial chemical, but it is not approved for use in food products due to its potential to cause cancer and other serious health problems. The controversy surrounding these Indian spice brands began when several European countries, including the United Kingdom, raised alarm about the presence of ethylene oxide in their products. It is believed that the pesticide may have been used to treat the spices to reduce bacterial contamination during transportation or storage. Ethylene oxide is classified as a carcinogenic substance by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is known to cause cancer in animals and has been associated with human health issues such as respiratory problems, irritation of the skin and eyes, and damage to the nervous system. The FDA has advised consumers in the US to avoid using MDH and Everest spice mixes until further investigations are completed. Additionally, the agency has urged retailers and distributors to remove these products from their shelves and cease selling them to prevent any potential harm to