No Export Ban on Indian Food Products Over Carcinogens in a Decade: Government

The government announced in Parliament that no country has banned the export of Indian food products due to carcinogens in the last ten years. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry conducts regular testing and surveillance to ensure food safety, with penal actions against non-compliance.

The government on Friday informed Parliament that no country has banned the export of Indian food products due to carcinogens over the past decade.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, confirmed that export consignments are thoroughly tested according to specifications of importing countries and norms set by competent authorities under the ministry.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) enforces regular inspections, random sampling, and monitoring to verify compliance with quality and safety requirements.

Prasada noted, "During the past ten years, no country has banned the export of food products due to the presence of Group 1 carcinogens."

Recently, certain spices from Indian brands MDH and Everest were banned in Singapore and Hong Kong due to the presence of ethylene oxide.

Prasada clarified, "In cases where food samples do not conform to standards, such as being sub-standard, misbranded, or unsafe, strict penal actions are taken as per provisions."

(With inputs from agencies.)