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A Kerala-based spice exporter (pepper, cardamom, ginger) had a consignment of black pepper rejected at Rotterdam port in March 2025 following an EU RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) notification for ethylene oxide residue (0.12 mg/kg, EU limit 0.05 mg/kg). All subsequent shipments from this exporter were placed on enhanced monitoring at EU border inspection posts (BIPs). The exporter faced potential complete exclusion from EU market.
AJG facilitated crisis management support. The root cause was identified: the exporter' post-harvest warehouse had used methyl bromide fumigation (which generates ethylene oxide as a metabolite). Post-harvest fumigation practices were changed to heat treatment (at 55°C for 30 minutes) which leaves no chemical residues. A new pre-shipment testing protocol was established: every consignment to be tested for ethylene oxide at NABL-accredited Eurofins laboratory in Chennai against EU standard. The Dutch importer was briefed on the remediation programme. Voluntary notification to FSSAI about the remediation measures was filed.
Pre-shipment testing compliance demonstrated over 3 consecutive shipments. Enhanced monitoring lifted by Dutch customs at month 7. Full EU market access restored by month 9. Pre-shipment testing cost: INR 8,500 per consignment. Annual EU spice revenue restored: EUR 3.2M. The testing protocol has been maintained as standard practice.
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