Samples drawn from export consignments of chilli powder and other products containing chillies, in terms of our Circular No.MD/CHI/01/03 dated 9th October 2003 would be analyzed for presence of Aflatoxin also.
In view of the need for ensuring that chillies exported out of the country do not contain Aflatoxin above tolerance limit, the scope of the Circular No.MD/CHI/01/03 is extended to all verities of whole chillies to be exported with effect from 17.11.2003. |
As you are aware, we have received a number of Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) since May 2003 relating to the presence of the prohibited carcinogenic dye ‘Sudan-1’ in some consignments of chilli powder exported from India. We have also received reports about product recalls in a number of countries on the ground that the manufacturers of those products used contaminated chilli powder imported from India. The European Union have since mandated that each consignment of hot chilli and chilli products imported into EU must accompany an analytical report demonstrating that the chilli products do not contain ‘Sudan-1’. The European Spice Trade Association has subsequently asked the Spices Board to indicate to them as to what steps are being taken to ensure a higher degree of reliability and safety to spice products exported from India.
In the light of the above, after due consultations, it has been decided that with effect from 23rd October, 2003, all exporters intending to export chilli powder or any other spice product containing chilli, excluding chilli oil & oleoresin, to any destination, should notify Spices Board’s nearest office and the head office in the prescribed format, at least 48 hours before shipment, and assist Spices Board or any agency designated by it, to draw samples from the export consignment. The containers will have to be sealed in the presence of concerned official/agency soon after samples are drawn to ensure that the samples represent material intended to be/actually exported.
Samples will be analyzed in the Board’s laboratory or any other designated laboratory for the presence of ‘Sudan Red-1’.
If the exporter is confident that the consignment is free of adulterant, shipment may be effected. At his option, exporter can wait for the receipt of analytical report from the Spices Board prior to effecting shipment. In case the consignments have left and the analysis indicates the presence of contaminants, the buyer will be notified and the shipment will have to be called back at the risk and cost of the exporter.
The cost of the above procedure will be debited to the exporter.
This arrangement will be reviewed after 3 months. |
