Maharashtra FDA bans sale of loose spice powders, mixed spices to curb adulteration. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday announced a ban on the sale of loose and unpacked spice powders and mixed spices, making packaging and sealing at the place of production mandatory to prevent adulteration. The food safety regulator has also prohibited the use of ethylene oxide, a flammable and colourless gas, for spice sterilisation.