17 May 2024, Himachal – At the same time, after the ban imposed in Hong Kong and Singapore on excessive use of pesticides in Indian spices, so far 101 samples have been taken for testing across the state. Their report is also expected to come in the coming days. The Food Safety Department started the process of collecting samples of spices recently. Now it has also been sent for investigation. It is going to take about 14 days for some spices to be sent to the laboratory. The departmental team has identified spice manufacturing companies in Solan, Mandi, Kangra and Sirmaur and other places of the state, which are manufacturing different types of spices.
The Food Safety Department team has collected samples from spice companies established in the industrial area Baddi. In the first phase, the team has sent four samples to Chandigarh laboratory for testing. Under the chairmanship of Food Safety Officer Anuj Sharma, the team has taken one sample of red chilli, one of turmeric and two samples of coriander powder from Baddi, Solan. In the coming days also the departmental team will take similar action and take samples of spices.
Accumulation of mixture of ethylene oxide
There has been an allegation of mixing of pesticide ethylene oxide in spices. It is harmful for health. At the same time, people are also at risk of many types of diseases due to its consumption. When pesticides were found, foreign countries imposed a ban. Its excess in spices starts causing the risk of breast cancer. Excessive consumption starts damaging the brain and nervous system.
