- Decision follows the suspension of sales of certain spice blends by Singapore and Hong Kong due to elevated levels of ETO.
- ETO is a flammable, colorless gas at room temperature.
- ETO serves as a disinfectant, fumigant, but its usage in food products is regulated due to its cancer-causing nature.
- Spices Industry of India
- India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices.
- During 2022-23, the export of spices stood at US$ 3.73 billion (major export destination were china, USA, and Bangladesh)
- India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties of spices which are listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- Chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger and coriander makeup about 76% of the total production.
- The largest spice-producing states are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, etc.
- Challenges associated with the spices industry: Low Productivity and Poor Product Quality, disappearance of some indigenous varieties, Rejection of Export due to pesticide residues beyond tolerable limits, etc.
- Initiatives to promote exports
- Guidelines on preventing ETO contamination in Spices Exports by SBI.
- Export Development and Promotion of Spices.
- Setting up and maintenance of infrastructure for common processing (Spices Parks).
About Spices Board India
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