New Delhi, Sept. 19 -- India's national food safety regulator has ordered an enforcement blitz on spice manufacturers across the country, in a move to combat adulteration and safeguard public health. The drive will specifically target black pepper, cardamom, chilli, cinnamon, coriander, cumin and turmeric, all key ingredients in Indian recipes.

The action by the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) targets a crucial part of India's food economy, with the domestic spice market valued at over $20 billion in 2024. The month-long drive, scheduled to begin on 1 October, comes as the country enters its peak festive season and follows a prior surveillance that found widespread non-compliance with quality and safety standards.

The push f...