Hong Kong and Singapore have taken action against popular Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. after the detection of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in several spice mixes. The Centre for Food Safety of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region found ethylene oxide in three spice mixes from MDH Group and Everest’s Fish Curry Masala. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen, posing serious health risks, including an elevated risk of breast cancer.
Singapore took similar action against Everest, alleging the presence of ethylene oxide at levels surpassing permissible limits. In response to the findings, both countries have taken action to protect public health, recalling the affected products from their shelves. The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong collected samples of four products, including MDH’s Curry Powder, Mixed Masala Powder, Sambhar Masala, and Everest Fish Curry Masala, under its routine food surveillance programme.
The test results showed the presence of ethylene oxide, which is unsuitable for human consumption. The regulatory body has instructed vendors to stop selling the affected products and remove them from their shelves. Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorized for use in food, but it can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination. Although there is no immediate risk to consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, long-term exposure may lead to health issues. Therefore, exposure to this substance should be minimized as much as possible.
Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are advised not to consume them and seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health. The two Indian companies have faced recalls in international markets due to food safety issues before. In June last year, the US Food and Drugs Authority asked Everest Food Products to recall its two products, sambhar masala, Garam Masala, and Maggi Masala, that had tested positive for Salmonella. In September 2019, at least three lots of MDH’s sambar masala were withdrawn from the US after the FDA tested them and found them to be positive for salmonella.
Experts expressed concerns about the situation, highlighting the need for stronger public health measures in India. He emphasized the importance of accountability in ensuring food safety standards are met, especially if this is the case with international exports. This incident underscores the critical role of regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and consumers in upholding food safety standards and protecting public health.
In summary, Hong Kong and Singapore’s ban on MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. is a significant move to protect public health from the harmful effects of ethylene oxide. Regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and consumers must work together to ensure food safety and prevent health risks associated with pesticide residues in food.