Nepali consumers are increasingly turning to locally manufactured and packaged spices following the ban on Indian spices due to high levels of ethylene oxide. The ancient market of Ason in Kathmandu has witnessed a surge in the purchase of locally produced spices, both processed and raw, as consumers prefer products made with traditional formulas passed down through generations. The ban on Indian spices, including MDH and Everest brands, was prompted by concerns raised by several countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong, regarding the presence of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide.
