MDH, a popular Indian spice brand, which came under scrutiny over alleged contamination in some of its products, saw an average of 14.5 per cent of its US shipments rejected due to the presence of bacteria, according to a Reuters analysis of US regulatory data.

Both MDH and Everest have said their products are safe. MDH clarified it did not use ethylene oxide during storing, processing or packing of spices.

According to data compiled by Reuters from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MDH products were rejected for sale in the US due to the presence of salmonella, a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness.

In 2019, a few batches of MDH products were recalled in the US over concerns of salmonella contamination.

While SFA clarified there was no immediate risk from low levels of ethylene oxide, prolonged consumption could pose health risks due to the chemical's carcinogenic properties.

Source: ANI