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Export of chilli/chilli products from India has not been affected by recent developments as is evident from the substantial increase in the exports of chilli. Total export of chilli from India was 1,38,000 tonnes (valued at Rs.499.01 crore) during 2004-05 as compared to 86,575 tonnes (valued at Rs.366.88 crore) in the year 2003-04. Food Standard Agency (FSA), United Kingdom ordered a recall of 575 products in which red chilli powder alleged to be contaminated with Sudan-I dye was used as an ingredient.
In order to monitor the quality of chillies exported from India, Spices Board has started conducting compulsory sampling of all chilli/chilli products export consignments from India and testing it for Sudan-I, II, III and IV and aflatoxin. With effect from 10th March, 2005, no consignment of chilli, chilli products or other food products containing chilli whatsoever form shall be exported unless a certificate is issued by the Spices Board certifying that the consignment does not contain Sudan-I to IV and aflatoxin beyond acceptable levels and, therefore, is fit for export to the identified destination.
As per notification dated 20th June, 2003 of the European Commission (EC), consignments of hot chilli and hot chilli products imported into the European Union whatever form, intended for human consumption, should be accompanied by an analytical report demonstrating that the consignment does not contain Sudan Red-I. Vide notification dated 21st January 2004, EC has expanded the scope of notification to cover Sudan II, Sudan III and Scarlet Red (Sudan IV).
SB/MRS
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