The Story Behind the Everest Masala Recall
Recommended for Food Safety
A Tranquil Indian Village
The fading sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow on fields of golden wheat swaying in the gentle evening breeze. A distant cowbell echoed through the air, mingling with the laughter of children playing hide-and-seek among the mudbrick houses.
Children gathered under an old banyan tree, its sprawling branches providing a canopy of shade, its aerial roots like tendrils reaching down towards the earth. Their bare feet pressed into the warm earth, and their eyes were wide with curiosity after hearing whispers about the spice brands they’ve grown up with.
Among them was young Asha, whose grandmother was known for her delicious cooking, always fragrant with spices from the bustling market.
Under the shade of the banyan tree sat Baba Ram, the village elder. His face, weathered by years of tending to his small farm, was etched with wrinkles that held decades of stories. His wisdom was as deep as the roots of the tree itself.
Asha’s Questions and Baba Ram’s Wisdom
“Baba Ram,” Asha squeaked, her small hands fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta, “everyone says they might stop using Everest Masala! Is it true? Are our spices not safe anymore?”
Baba Ram stroked his beard, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Ah, Asha,” he chuckled, “the world is like a winding river, always changing, sometimes revealing things we didn’t expect. Remember the mango tree, child?
Those tiny caterpillars were almost invisible, yet could have damaged the whole harvest. Sometimes, it’s the smallest things we must be mindful of, even with the spices we love.”
Asha, often found helping her grandmother in the kitchen, picked up a fragrant handful of cloves from the ground beneath the banyan tree. She held them to her nose, the familiar scent bringing comfort.
But as she looked closer, she saw a tiny, dust-colored insect nestled among the cloves.
“Baba Ram, look!” she exclaimed, showing him the clove. “Could something like this be in the spices too?”
Baba Ram examined the clove, a flicker of concern in his eyes. “Perhaps, child,” he said. “Even the things we love most can harbor unexpected dangers. But we must have faith that our traditions, and our knowledge, will help us find a way, just like we protect our crops in the fields.”
Everest Masala and a Lesson Beyond Borders
“Word has come from distant shores,” Baba Ram explains, his voice soft but carrying a hint of concern, “far beyond the mountains and across the great seas, that spices sold by Everest and MDH have been found with something called…ethylene oxide, is it?
A strange name indeed, with a hint of hidden danger.”
The children giggle at the unfamiliar word, their laughter filled with a mix of curiosity and nervous excitement. Ravi’s brow furrows, and he glances towards his home, where his mother is likely preparing dinner.
“This thing, they say, can be harmful if you have too much of it,” Baba Ram continues. “Imagine if someone used too much pesticide on our fields, more than the plants can bear! Those who watch over the safety of food in other countries are worried it might make people unwell.”
The Importance of Spices and the Farmer’s Perspective
“But Baba Ram,” another child, Ravi, protests, his eyes wide and a tremor in his voice, “My mother uses Everest Masala in her curries! They are the best in the village! Won’t she become sick?”
“Indeed, Ravi, spices are the heart of Indian cooking,” Baba Ram agrees, his voice steady and soothing. “They bring warmth, flavor, and joy to our meals. That’s why this news is so troubling.
Just as we farmers take care with our crops, caring for them from seed to harvest, those who make our spices should do the same. But remember, the traditions of our kitchens are older than any brand.”
Baba Ram takes a small pouch from his pocket, opening it to reveal a handful of dried turmeric. “See this turmeric?” he says. “I grew it myself, dried it in the sun, and ground it with my own hands. There is nothing hidden in it, only the goodness of the earth and the warmth of sunlight.
Perhaps there are ways to make sure all the spices are safe like this.”
The Path to Safety
“The people who check the safety of our food are now testing all the spices,” Baba Ram explains, his voice reassuring. “They are wise, like the scientists who protect our crops. They want to find out where this ethylene oxide is coming from.
Maybe someone made a mistake or used the wrong thing to help the spices stay fresh.” He pauses, a thoughtful look in his eyes. “Or perhaps new ways are needed to store the spices so they stay safe on their journey to kitchens everywhere.”
Asha frowns, her brow furrowed. “But Baba Ram, won’t people stop using Everest Masala now? Will my grandmother’s cooking taste different?”
“Maybe for a while Asha, until those who grow and sell the spices figure out how to stop this problem. But remember, spices are too precious to give up. The taste of home, the flavor of our stories – these are older than any one spice company. A meal without spice is like a song without melody, wouldn’t you agree?”
Word Spreads Through the Village
The news of the spice contamination spreads through the village like the aroma of freshly roasted cumin, sharp yet comforting. There is worry, but also a sense of resilience, inspired by Baba Ram’s words.
Asha’s grandmother carefully inspects her own spice jars, her brow creased in concentration, promising to wait for the all-clear before buying more Everest Masala.
Others whisper about home remedies and traditional ways of preserving spices, the knowledge of generations coming to the fore.
Asha watches her grandmother, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. Her grandmother is wise too, in her own quiet way.
Later that evening, as her grandmother grinds a mixture of coriander and cumin in a stone mortar and pestle, the familiar rhythmic sound and the comforting scent bring a sense of peace to their small kitchen.
Asha and her family, like many others, waited for more information from the Spices Board of India to learn how to keep their favorite flavors safe.
Related Stories
Watch a video
Lets dive into the geography behind this miracle of nature and human ingenuity.
Curious Times is a leading newspaper and website for kids. We publish daily global news aligned to your learning levels (also as per NEP 2020): Foundational, Preparatory (Primary), Middle and Senior. So, check out the News tab for this. We bring kids’ favourite Curious Times Weekly newspaper every weekend with top news, feature stories and kids’ contributions. Also, check out daily JokesPoke, Tongue Twisters, Word of the Day and Quote of the Day, kids need it all the time.
Curious Times News Program for Schools for FREE. Over 5,000 schools and teachers from all over the world have joined our programme so that students and teachers can get FREE Educative Newspaper. Here, kids can take part in world events and win prizes and certificates for free through their schools.
Moreover, schools are sharing important School News, like interviews with the principal, notices about new students, contests, and results, not just on social media but also on a news website for kids and other schools.
Thus, do not wait any further, sign-up for your school for FREE.
The following social media platforms allow you to communicate with us: WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
0 (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)