Maharashtra bans sale of loose spice powders, prohibits ethylene oxide use

New Delhi: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of loose and unpackaged spice powders and mixed spices, making it mandatory for manufacturers to pack and seal these products at the production stage. The regulator has also prohibited the use of ethylene oxide for spice sterilisation amid concerns over its potential cancer-causing effects.

Announcing the measures on Thursday, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the state government had issued a comprehensive order tightening food safety requirements across the spice supply chain, from manufacturing and processing to storage, transportation and retail sales.

Follow The PSUWatch Channel on Whatsapp

The restrictions apply to manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, online sellers, hotels, restaurants, caterers and institutional kitchens dealing in turmeric, chilli, coriander, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron, asafoetida, garam masala and other spice products.

Crackdown on adulteration and harmful chemicals

Under the new rules, spice powders and blended spices must be packed and sealed at the manufacturing site before entering the distribution network. The move is aimed at preventing adulteration, improving hygiene and enabling authorities to trace the origin of products.

The FDA has explicitly banned unauthorised colouring agents, including Metanil Yellow, Rhodamine B, Sudan dyes and Lead Chromate.

Manufacturers and traders will also face action for mixing brick powder, chalk, sawdust, foreign starch or other substances into spices to artificially increase their weight or volume.

The order further prohibits blending inferior-quality ingredients or selling spices after their extracts have been removed.

Ethylene oxide prohibited for sterilisation

In a significant food safety measure, Maharashtra has prohibited the use of ethylene oxide, a chemical used in certain sterilisation processes, because of its potential carcinogenic effects.

Manufacturers must adopt only legally permitted sterilisation methods. Spice samples will be tested for pesticide residues, aflatoxins, heavy metals and other contaminants against prescribed safety standards.

The regulator has also barred drying spices on public roads, tarred surfaces, near drains, garbage dumps or cattle sheds.

Manufacturing and storage facilities must remain clean, dry and pest-free. Pesticides, industrial dyes and hazardous chemicals cannot be stored alongside spices.

FSSAI registration, labelling requirements tightened

The FDA has clarified that spice manufacturers and grinding units must possess valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences or registrations, as applicable. A trade licence alone will not be sufficient to operate such businesses.

Food handlers must comply with medical fitness, hygiene and training requirements, while businesses will have to implement a Food Safety Management System.

All packaged spices must display mandatory information, including the product name, ingredients, manufacturer's details, FSSAI licence number, batch number, manufacturing or packing date and expiry or best-before date.

The regulator has also warned businesses against making misleading claims about product purity, organic status or health benefits without supporting evidence.

Enforcement to cover entire supply chain

Mundhe said enforcement would not be limited to retailers. Investigations into adulteration would extend to manufacturers, grinding and blending units, repackers, suppliers and those providing prohibited chemicals or colouring agents.

Officials will examine purchase invoices, sales records, production data and batch details to identify the source of adulterated products. Authorities may also compare raw material purchases with finished product quantities to detect irregularities.

Violations could result in seizure of products, suspension of sales, market recalls, cancellation of licences and prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Follow PSU Watch on LinkedIN

The FDA has directed food safety officers across Maharashtra to conduct inspections and monitor compliance. Designated officers will be required to submit monthly reports detailing inspections, samples collected and enforcement action.

The sweeping restrictions signal tighter regulatory scrutiny of Maharashtra's spice trade, placing greater responsibility on manufacturers and distributors to ensure product safety, transparency and traceability.

(PSU Watch is India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy. 👉 Click to join our channel now: PSUWatch WhatsApp Channel. Prefer LinkedIn? Follow PSU Watch on LinkedIN. Click to stay connected on Twitter here and stay updated.)