Hong Kong’s food safety regulator has banned four spice products from popular Indian brands MDH and Everest after finding they contained a cancer-causing substance.
The Centre for Food Safety revealed on April 5th that it identified ethylene oxide, a pesticide classified as a carcinogen in four MDH products –
- MDH Mixed Masala Powder
- MDH Madras Curry Powder
- MDH Sambhar Masala Powder
- Everest’s Fish Curry Masala
The Centre for Food Safety revealed, it collected samples of the four products under its routine food surveillance programme and found the presence of ethylene oxide which is dangerous for human consumption.
Hong Kong regulations restrict the sale of food containing pesticide residues crossing safe limits.
The CFS report said “According to the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation, a food for human consumption containing pesticide residue may only be sold if utilization of the food is not risky or prejudicial to health.
The Centre for Food Safety ordered vendors to eliminate the affected products from shelves and has launched an investigation.
The CFS also indicated that appropriate action may be taken.
Singapore Food Agency Bans MDH Product
Everest’s Fish Curry Masala a popular product in India has been recalled by Singapore, alleging the presence of a pesticide called ethylene oxide at levels exceeding acceptable limits.
Singapore Food Agency on Thursday released a statement which directed the importer, SP Mutiah and Sons Pvt Ltd, to recall the products.
Singapore Food Agency revealed ethylene oxide is not permissible for use in food and can be only used to sanitize agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination.
The SFA further said that ethylene oxide is permissible to be used in the sterilization of spices under Singapore’s Food Regulations.
SFA said there was no instant risk to the intake of food, so exposure to this substance should be minimized as much as possible.
Consumers who have already purchased the entangled products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice.
Consumers may contact their point of sales, the SFA further said
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