Following Hong Kong's ban on certain Indian spice brands, the FDA in the United States is investigating possible contamination of MDH and Everest products.

Knowing about the reports, the FDA is investigating the matter further.

This month, sales of three MDH spice mixes and one Everest spice mix for fish curries were halted in Hong Kong. Singapore has ordered the recall of Everest spice mix due to its high ethylene oxide content. They consider the product unsafe and warn that long-term exposure may lead to cancer.

The U.S. FDA's investigation into the possible contamination of Indian spice items was first reported by Reuters. When Reuters reached out to MDH and Everest for comment on this issue, they did not immediately respond. Everest has already declared that its spices are safe to eat. To date, MDH has not reacted to inquiries concerning its merchandise.

MDH and Everest are popular spices in India and are also sold in Europe, Asia, and North America. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which regulates food in India, is now reviewing the quality standards of the two companies due to the events in Hong Kong and Singapore.

India's Spices Board announced it received information from Hong Kong and Singaporean authorities about MDH and Everest exports. The board was collaborating with the companies to identify the "basis" of the quality problems while conducting plant inspections.

A few MDH product batches were recalled in the US in 2019 due to a salmonella infection.