MDH and Everest Banned in Hong Kong and Singapore; Here’s The Action Centre Takes
Following reports that food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore flagged a cancer-causing ingredient in certain products. From two major Indian spice brands, MDH and Everest, the Indian government is taking decisive action. It has ordered food commissioners to collect samples from all spice manufacturing units in the country to ensure consumer safety.
This action comes after food safety authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore identified ethylene oxide. A known carcinogen, in specific products from these Indian spice brands. The brands in question are MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala, and Curry Powder, along with Everest’s Fish Curry Masala. These products were flagged for containing ethylene oxide at levels exceeding the permissible limit. Ethylene oxide is classified as a ‘Group 1 carcinogen’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indicating that it can cause cancer in humans.
The Indian government has taken swift steps to investigate the matter. “All food commissioners across the country have been alerted,” said top government sources. “The process of collecting samples of spices has already begun. Within three to four days, samples will be collected from all spice manufacturing units across India.”
A report on the findings is expected to be ready within 20 days. The authorities emphasize that not just the products from MDH and Everest will be sampled. But all Indian spice brands will be scrutinized to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
MDH and Everest Banned in Hong Kong and Singapore; Here’s The Action Centre Takes
The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) ordered vendors to stop selling the affected products and remove them from shelves. Similarly, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) instructed a recall of Everest’s Fish Curry Masala due to high levels of ethylene oxide. The SFA’s release stated that the recall is ongoing, with Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte. Ltd. instructed to pull the product from the market.
The Indian government has indicated that strict action, including criminal proceedings, will be taken if harmful substances are found in Indian spices. Ethylene oxide is banned in food items in India, reinforcing the seriousness of these findings. The Spices Board of India, part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has been tasked with spreading awareness about the dangers of using harmful elements in food products.
Meanwhile, the Spices Board of India is looking into the ban imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore, confirming that the matter is under investigation. The board stated, “We are looking into the matter. We are at it,” as per Spices Board of India Director AB Rema Shree.
Ethylene oxide is a colorless and flammable gas primarily used to sterilize medical equipment and reduce microbial contamination in spices. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that short-term exposure can affect the central nervous system, causing depression and irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes, while prolonged exposure can lead to severe health issues such as irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, along with potential damage to the brain and nervous system.