Importers alerted to Vietnam spice contamination

MUMBAI, July 23 (Reuters) - India's Spices Board has alerted importers to check the potential contamination of whole star anise and cinnamon from Vietnam after the European Union put the the latter on notice for use of a non-approved colour. "We have asked the importers to check this kind of contamination before using it in curry powders," said S. Kannan, director, marketing of Spices Board. The European Commission issued a notification regarding the use of chrysoidine, a non-approved colour, in whole star anise and cinnamon from Vietnam, which can increase the risk of cancer.

India imports about 7,000-8,000 tonnes of cinnamon, which is mostly used in curry powder and garam masalas.

Spices Board has warned importers to check the potential contamination as it could affect the exports of curry powder, Kannan said.

India's curry powder exports has jumped 40.5 percent to 2,375 tonnes in the first two months of 2008/09, according to Spices Board data. The country has an export target of 12,000 tonnes for curry powder. (Reporting by Debiprasad Nayak, editing by Harish Nambiar)