Maharashtra: CAIT To Oppose FDA Move To Ban Loose Spices, Warns Of Price Rise

Mumbai, October 17, 2026 - The Maharashtra chapter of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) will challenge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision to ban the sale of loose spices, arguing that such a move would raise prices and inconvenience consumers. The FDA issued an order on October 15, mandating that spices be packaged and sealed at the production site before distribution and sale.

CAIT's national secretary, Shankar Thakkar, warns that the decision, lacking proper consultation with all parties, would be difficult to enforce and could ultimately burden end consumers. "This decision is practically difficult to implement and will ultimately burden end consumers. The overall prices of spices will increase, and even their quality could be compromised," Thakkar stated.

Traders typically assess spice quality through their scent, a practice that would become challenging with sealed packaging. Additionally, mandatory packaging would necessitate compliance with labeling regulations, further increasing costs. Thakkar questions whether packaged spices would inherently be free from adulteration, contending that mandatory packaging alone cannot ensure quality.

He suggests that government agencies should focus on quality checks rather than imposing a blanket ban. CAIT plans to convene a meeting with stakeholders to discuss the implications of the FDA's order and submit its objections to relevant authorities.