Spices have certainly taken over every Indian kitchen. Every food lover in the crowded aisles of an Indian grocery shop is lured over spices due to their brilliant hues and pungent smell. From the golden hue of turmeric to the blazing red of chili powder, these spices are more than just ingredients; they are the heart and soul of Indian cuisine. Moreover, according to Ayurveda, these spices further hold several health benefits as well. Recently, reports have claimed that a couple of Indian spice brands hold a hidden hazard that many of us are unaware of. The reports suggest that ethylene oxide, a chemical that has caused major health concerns, has been found in inappropriate quantities in these spices that have been used liberally in almost every Indian kitchen. To understand the whole scenario, let’s first know what ethylene oxide is.
What is Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas that is often used as a pesticide or disinfectant to sterilize medical devices and spices due to its ability to kill bacteria, fungus, and other pathogens. However, its sterilizing abilities come at a potentially serious cost. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified ethylene oxide as a carcinogen, and exposure has been associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, leukemia, and stomach cancer. The risk further increases with prolonged exposure.
Ethylene Oxide in Indian Spices
The dispute began when quantities of ethylene oxide were found in shipments of Indian spices bound for overseas markets beyond permissible limits. This revelation has sparked widespread anxiety in India, where people were consuming these Indian spices with the utmost trust in their everyday lives. According to a recent report, about 75% of Indian families routinely use products from these known brands. This clearly represents that millions of families who, unknowingly, have consumed these spices from particular brands may be at risk from chronic exposure to ethylene oxide residues in their everyday meals.
Moreover, these well-known brands have been giant players in the spice industry and have been serving Indians for decades. They tend to sell a variety of spices that claim to bring out the real flavor of Indian cuisine. However, the potential use of ethylene oxide to sterilize these spices raises concerns about their safety and the transparency of the manufacturing process.
What Can Consumers Do?
Considering a typical Indian household, probably similar to mine, where cooking is more than just nourishing the body; it is also a way to celebrate our culture and heritage, we, as consumers, should take certain measures to protect our health:
Seek transparency: Demand that spice manufacturers provide clear labeling and safety certifications. Knowing what goes into the items we buy allows us to make more informed decisions.
Consider Alternatives: Consider purchasing whole spices and crushing them at home. This not only ensures freshness, but it may also reduce the chance of contamination by toxic substances.
Support local and organic spices: Small-scale and organic manufacturers frequently use less industrialized procedures. Supporting them can lead to healthier, more sustainable consumption.
To Conclude
The issue of ethylene oxide found in spices is only one aspect of India’s concern over food safety and public health. It is about how we, as a society, strike a gentle balance between industrial development and health protection. As authorities worldwide continue to uncover the irregularities of food and spices that we consume, it is crucial to stay aware and proactive against such irregularities. Healing Pharma has got you covered with all the health and wellness essentials and supplements to boost your and your family’s everyday health and wellbeing. Reach out to the nearest pharmacy to buy Healing Pharma products or shop online to get additional discounts and offers.
