New Delhi: Food authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have issued warnings regarding the use of certain products from major spice brands due to the presence of ethylene oxide exceeding acceptable limits.
Ethylene oxide has been classified as a ‘Group 1 carcinogen’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong released a statement on April 5, cautioning against three spice products from MDH (Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala, and Curry Powder) and one from Everest (Fish Curry Masala) found to contain ethylene oxide, a pesticide.
Both MDH and Everest Foods have yet to respond to the regulatory authorities’ statements.
As part of its regular food monitoring efforts, the CFS obtained samples from three retail outlets and subsequent tests revealed the presence of ethylene oxide.
The CFS has instructed vendors to halt sales and remove the affected products from shelves, with recalls already initiated.
According to the CFS, the presence of pesticide residue in food for human consumption is subject to strict regulations, and offenders face significant penalties upon conviction.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and appropriate actions will be taken as deemed necessary by the CFS.
Similarly, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has also ordered a recall of Everest’s Fish Curry Masala due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide.
The SFA has directed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte. Ltd., to conduct the recall, which is currently underway.
While ethylene oxide is commonly used for agricultural product fumigation to prevent microbial contamination, it is not suitable for consumption.
However, Singapore’s food regulations allow for its use in spice sterilization.
The SFA has advised against consuming the recalled product and urged those with health concerns post-consumption to seek medical advice.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has identified ethylene oxide as a human carcinogen, emphasizing its potential to cause cancer with prolonged exposure.
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