As FSSAI checks samples, industry body advises distributors to limit stocking
The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation(AICPDF) has asked distributors to limit stocking of packaged spices products.
The advisory comes at a time when some spice brands are under heightened scrutiny and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is in the process of testing spice samples of various brands on quality and safety parameters on a panIndia basis.
The AICPDF advisory said, “There is a high probability that these brands will come under the radar of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and necessary measures will be taken to safeguard human health. This could potentially have a significant impact on the sales of these products. Therefore, AICPDF urges you to exercise caution regarding heavy stocking of these products.”
The industry body represents distributors of the FMCG industry.
Dhairyashil Patil, National President, AICPDF, said, “Distributors typically have stocks of 35-60 days. In the event that restrictions are imposed on some brands, heavy stocking could result in dead investment, and retailers may be left with damaged stock.”
AICPDF said, “We advise you to proceed cautiously and restrain yourself from stocking up on these products to a limited extent, until clearance is received from the necessary authorities.”
Last month, the FSSAI directed States to pick up samples of spices from major manufacturing units. Ocials earlier told businesline that extensive testing is being done on a comprehensive set of safety and quality parameters. The samples are being tested for pesticide residues, metal contaminants, biological parameters such as salmonella besides physical and chemicals.
HK, SINGAPORE RECALL
In April, Hong Kong’s food safety regulator recalled three products of MDH and one product of Everest over presence of ethylene oxide above permissible limits.
Following this order, Singapore’s food safety regulator also recalled one product of Everest. Both MDH and Everest denied these claims and said their products are safe for consumption. But the charges have led public health advocates and consumers to question the safety of Indian spices products.