Neena Gupta says she was not allowed to carry homemade dhaniya powder in hand baggage; we ask experts why

 

Neena Gupta was prohibited from carrying masalas on board a flight (Source: Neena Gupta/Instagram)

We are trying our absolute best to answer some of your aviation-related questions, including doubts about why some foods and food products are not allowed to be carried on board. After learning about dry coconuts and why they are prohibited let's understand why masalas or spices are also restricted in hand baggage, as recently happened with actor Neena Gupta.

A disappointed Gupta took to Instagram and said, "I am at the airport. I usually make my food. I had dhaniya powder or coriander powder made at home in my hand baggage which the security people have confiscated. I have been asking them to give it to me but I got to know that it is not allowed. So, I thought I would inform everyone not to take masalas in their hand luggage."

Notably, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) prohibits spices—both powdered and in physical form—in hand baggage, according to aviation expert Rajagopal, Aviation Training India.

Dr Karuna Malhotra, cosmetologist and aesthetic physician at Cosmetic Skin Clinic Rajouri Garden New Delhi, also agreed and said that masalas, or spice powders, "are prohibited in hand baggage on airplanes for several reasons."

The powdery consistency of masalas can "raise security concerns" as they may resemble other prohibited powdered substances like explosives. "Security personnel may find it challenging to distinguish spices from other powders without close inspection, slowing the screening process. In large quantities, powdered substances might trigger security alerts, so many airlines and airport authorities limit or disallow them in carry-on bags," said Dr Malhotra.

Here's why spices are not allowed in the hand baggage (Source: Freepik)

Additionally, spices can have strong aromas, which could cause discomfort to passengers in the enclosed cabin environment.

According to Dr Malhotra, the odours might trigger allergies or sensitivities in other passengers or be unpleasant in close quarters. "For this reason, carrying masalas is generally discouraged in hand baggage, and travellers are usually advised to pack them in checked luggage, where they can undergo thorough screening without inconveniencing fellow passengers," said Dr Malhotra.

Masalas can also be used as a weapon or to threaten other passengers, contended Rajagopal.