The Rajasthan state in India has informed the federal government that tests have deemed certain spices from popular brands MDH and Everest as 'unsafe' for consumption, according to a letter. This revelation comes amid increasing scrutiny of these brands both locally and globally for alleged contamination. In April, Hong Kong halted the sale of three spice blends from MDH and one from Everest, citing high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide, ethylene oxide. This led to regulatory scrutiny in India and other markets. Singapore recalled the Everest mix, while New Zealand, the United States, and Australia are investigating the issue. The UK has imposed additional controls on all spices imported from India, the largest exporter, producer, and consumer of spices. Rajasthan state tested numerous spice samples and found a batch of Everest spice mix and two from MDH to be 'unsafe', as stated in a confidential letter from Shubhra Singh, a senior health official in the northwestern state, to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Both MDH and Everest, two of India's most popular brands, maintain that their products are safe for consumption. The companies have not commented on the state's letter. Singh, the additional chief secretary for health, urged the state authorities of Gujarat and Haryana, where the batches were produced, to take immediate action. The FSSAI and Singh have not responded to requests for comment. Last week, Rajasthan state authorities announced the seizure of 12,000kg of various spices due to alleged contamination. Singh had previously written to the federal body and states to inform them. The state collected dozens of spice samples in May and discovered that some contained 'very high levels' of pesticides and insecticides. MDH and Everest spices are widely popular in India and are sold in Europe, Asia, and North America. The Indian domestic market for spices was valued at $10.44 billion in 2022, according to Zion Market Research.