"Rajasthan Food Department Detects Pesticides and Insecticides in MDH and Everest Samples"

The Rajasthan government found issues with certain popular spice brands during tests. They've reached out to FSSAI for guidance and asked Gujarat and Haryana to take action since those states host the manufacturing units. According to Shubhra Singh, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical, Health, and Family Welfare department, a special campaign began on May 8 last month to gather samples from all districts in the state. In this campaign, 93 samples were collected from different companies, including well-known ones. The State Central Public Health Laboratory's report revealed that some samples contained extremely high levels of pesticides and insecticides. According to Iqbal Khan, the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Control, the tests showed that MDH, Everest, Gajanand, Shyam, and Ciba Taaza samples contained dangerous levels of pesticides and insecticides, which can seriously harm health. Tests revealed that MDH's Garam Masala contained Acetamiprid, Thiamethoxam, and Imidacloprid; its Sabzi Masala and Chana Masala contained Tricyclazole and Profenofos. Everest Spices' Jeera Masala had Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam. Shyam Spices' Garam Masala had Acetamiprid; Ciba Taaza's Raita Masala contained Acetamiprid and Thiamethoxam, while Gajanand Spices' Achaar Masala contained Ethion. Following the results, Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar instructed officials to conduct a special campaign. Designated officers and Chief Medical and Health Officers were directed to seize unsafe spices. On June 8, over 12,000 kilograms of such spices were seized. Moreover, as MDH spices' manufacturing unit is situated in Haryana and Everest and Gajanand spices' units are in Gujarat, letters have been sent to the Food Safety Commissioners of these states for necessary action. Additionally, a letter has been written to the Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI for action on the matter. ALSO READ: Spices Scare: Government Seeks Clarity on MDH and Everest Masala Ban