Stop Eating This! | Detailed Analysis of Indian Masala Ban | Dhruv Rathee

Summary

The video script reveals a concerning issue with Indian spices and food products containing ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, and other harmful pesticides. It criticizes the government's lax regulations and lack of warnings, highlighting how multiple countries have banned or recalled these products. The script calls for stricter safety measures, better government oversight, and suggests consumers opt for organic food and direct purchases from farmers to ensure quality.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Smoking and drinking are harmful and can lead to serious health issues like cancer and heart attacks.
• 🔎 On April 5, 2024, Hong Kong's Food Safety Centre identified unsafe levels of ethylene oxide in certain spice mixes, including MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala, and Everest's Fish Curry Masala.
• 🈲 Ethylene oxide is a chemical linked to cancer and is banned or restricted in many countries due to its dangerous health effects.
• 🌏 Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Maldives have banned the mentioned spice mixes, while others like Australia, New Zealand, and Nepal are conducting independent tests.
• 🚫 Over the past four years, the European Union has banned or recalled more than 500 Indian products due to the presence of ethylene oxide.
• 🦠 US Customs authorities have rejected 31% of MDH's spice shipments to America due to traces of Salmonella, a bacteria that causes food poisoning and can be harmful in severe cases.
• 📢 The Indian government has not issued any warnings about these food safety issues, and there is a lack of media coverage on the topic.
• 🌾 The responsibility for food safety falls on the government, which includes regulatory authorities like the Spice Board of India and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• 🔍 A Twitter user's independent test of Everest's Fish Curry Masala found ethylene oxide levels 70 times higher than the permissible limit.
• 🛑 The Indian government has increased the permissible levels of pesticides in food by 10 times, which is a cause for concern given the health risks associated with such chemicals.
• 👨‍🌾 The issue affects not only consumers but also farmers, who face pressure to use more pesticides and are at risk from unsafe handling practices.

Q & A

What health risks are associated with consuming food containing ethylene oxide?

Consuming food with ethylene oxide has been directly linked to cancer and can also cause lymphohematopoietic cancer and breast cancer. It is considered a Group 1 Carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, indicating it is known to cause cancer in humans.

Which spice mixes were identified by Hong Kong's Food Safety Centre as containing high levels of ethylene oxide?

The spice mixes identified were three from MDH: Madras Curry Powder, Curry Powder, and Sambhar Masala, and one from Everest, their Fish Curry Masala.

What actions have been taken by Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Maldives regarding the banned spice mixes?

As of May 4th, 2024, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Maldives have banned the mentioned spice mixes in their countries due to the presence of ethylene oxide.

What is the European Union's stance on ethylene oxide in food products?

The European Union has a zero-tolerance policy for ethylene oxide, completely banning its use in food products within the EU. However, a small allowance was made for imported products, with the maximum residual limit set at 0.1 milligram per kilogram as of 2022.

Why has the US Customs authorities sent back 31% of MDH's spice exports?

The US Customs authorities have sent back 31% of MDH's spice exports because traces of Salmonella, a bacteria that causes food poisoning, were found in them.

What is the role of the Spice Board of India in regulating food safety?

The Spice Board of India is the government's regulatory authority responsible for issuing necessary clearances and approvals for spice products, ensuring they meet safety standards under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

What is the significance of the 20-day testing period mentioned by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)?

The 20-day testing period is the time FSSAI claims it needs to test and declare whether the spice mixes contain harmful levels of ethylene oxide. This period has been criticized for being excessively long compared to independent tests conducted by individuals.

What is the maximum permissible limit of ethylene oxide in food according to the European Union's new regulation in 2022?

The maximum permissible limit of ethylene oxide in food according to the European Union's new regulation in 2022 is 0.1 milligram per kilogram for imported products.

How does the situation with ethylene oxide in Indian food products compare to other countries' standards?

The situation with ethylene oxide in Indian food products is concerning as it has led to numerous product rejections and bans in countries like the European Union, Singapore, and Hong Kong, which have stricter standards and regulations compared to India.

What steps can consumers take to protect themselves from harmful chemicals in food?

Consumers can check ingredient lists, ask AI tools like ChatGPT about the safety of ingredients, buy fresh produce, and get food items tested at different laboratories if they doubt the quality.

What was the response from the Indian government regarding the increased permissible levels of pesticides in food?

The Indian government, under the Modi administration, increased the permissible levels of pesticides in food by 10 times, which has raised concerns about the safety of the food supply and the potential health risks for consumers.