Center for Food Safety (CFS), Hong Kong has banned the sale of some of the products of Indian Brands MDH and Everest after cancer-causing chemical, Ethylene oxide found in several spice mixes.
On April 5, 2024, CFS announced that the ethylene oxide found in these spices exceeds the allowed limits by the Hong Kong regulation.
Ethylene oxide is a pesticide, classified as a carcinogen at levels exceeding the allowed limits.
Earlier, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recalled 'Everest Fish Curry Masala' due to the presence of ethylene oxide beyond the permissible limits. Now, after the report by the Center of Food Safety, Hong Kong, the importer SP Muthiah and Sons, has been directed to recall the products.
According to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), ethylene oxide is not authorized for use in food. It is only authorized for use in the fumigation of agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination.
The samples were collected from three retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui for testing in a routine Food Surveillance Program.
The routine surveillance program has revealed the presence of ethylene oxide in three spice mixes of MDH:
Madras Curry powder
Curry powder
Sambhar Masala powder
The vendors are informed about this and have been instructed to stop the sale of these products and remove them from shelves immediately.
A food for human consumption containing pesticide residue may only be sold if consumption of the food is not dangerous or prejudicial to health.CFS Reports
Both the brands are India's renowned spice brands. Everest was founded by Late Vadilal Bhai Shah. It is India's largest manufacturer of pure and blended spices and is present globally across more than 80 countries.
According to some media sources, the company said that all the products go through strict checks before dispatch and before export. The Spice Board of India does a quality inspection before every shipment.
Now the company is waiting for an official communication to understand this issue and look into this matter.
Food Safety And Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) is likely to check and investigate the samples of MDH and Everest spices.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Pragati Priya/MSM)