Maharashtra FDA tightens spice industry oversight with ban on loose sales and harmful additives

Maharashtra FDA has issued a comprehensive compliance order for spice manufacturers, processors, packers, wholesalers, retailers, e-commerce operators and food service establishments. It requires spice powders and blended spices to be packed and sealed at the place of production, restricting loose sales. The order prohibits ethylene oxide sterilisation and unauthorised colours, including metanil yellow, rhodamine B, Sudan dyes and lead chromate. It also strengthens requirements for hygiene, labelling, traceability, laboratory testing and food safety licensing across the supply chain.