The Hindu Business Line : Don't succumb to unrealistic quality norms, spice trade told

SETTING STANDARDS: Visitors checking out a spices product at a stall at the 8th World Spice Congress in Chennai on Friday. The congress, being held till January 29, will discuss ways to establish quality standards that can be achieved by producers and exporters. — Bijoy Ghosh

Chennai , Jan. 27

MR L. Mansingh, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, has urged the international spice trade not to succumb to the bogey of unrealistic quality standards but aim at benefiting the trade and consumers.

Inaugurating the 8th World Spice Congress on Friday, he said it was possible to go overboard on such issues without benefit to anyone and hinder trade.

There could be no compromise on food safety standards and India had world-class evaluation laboratories. Indian spice exports had topped $500 million and there was credibility for its products in the international markets, he said.

The Spices Board should encourage exporters to adopt the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points and Food Safety Management systems for the international and domestic markets. India was serious about adopting the best practices and was aligning its food laws to the best in the world, Mr Mansingh said.

Mr Thomas Philip, Chairman, All-India Spices Exporters Forum, said quality issues had resulted in a crisis of confidence. But it had contributed to a change for the better with appropriate rules and standards. The trade and the authorities need to work together to cope with the issue, he said.

An exhibition of a wide range of spices and related products was also inaugurated.