Bengaluru: Toys, home appliances, electrical items and almost everything else in our stores are ‘Made in China’. Now, even spices, including cinnamon and bay leafs, are coming in from China, raising the concerns of local vendors and activists.
The biggest concern is the quality of the spices as the prices seem unreasonably low, the vendors said, demanding an immediate ban on these products in the state.
A few activists and vendors recently wrote to the state health department, complaining against Chinese spices flooding the market and posing a threat to people’s health. The health department officials, however, told Deccan Chronicle that they have not received any complaint.
Mr Gopalakrishna Shastri, an organic farmer from Mysuru and one of the petitioners, said that typically, bay leafs and cinnamon are sold together in small packets for low prices across the state.
“India is known for its sambar products, which have several medicinal values. But as they are a bit expensive, Chinese producers have taken advantage and started flooding the market with these products. As no one is sure of the quality, they should be banned immediately,” he said.
Many activists and public health workers have already raised the issue at many public platforms, but without any effect. “The state government should keep an eye on the products being sold in the markets. Recently, there was a big hue and cry in Kerala over ‘artificial rice’ from China. Though these spices are not artificial, they are definitely of low quality and they could affect people’s health,” he said.
Vendors, who sell these products, said that they were not aware where these spices were being supplied to them. “Generally, we get these spices from Kerala or coastal areas of the state. As they are forest produce, they are very costly. We are not sure whether these products are being imported illegally from China. But it is true that a few suppliers are giving these products at very affordable prices,” said Mr Mohmed Usman, a vendor at Yeshwanthpur APMC yard.
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