International food regulators red flag ‘cancer-causing’ ingredients in MDH and Everest spices

Delhi: Food safety authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have issued warnings regarding the use of four spice products from two prominent brands—three from MDH and one from Everest—due to the detection of ethylene oxide levels that exceed the allowed limit.

It is to be noted that the International Agency for Research on Cancer identifies ethylene oxide as a 'Group 1 carcinogen'.

As per news reports, on April 5, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS), the food regulatory body of Hong Kong, announced on its website that three MDH products—Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala, and Curry Powder—as well as Everest’s Fish Curry Masala, were found to contain ethylene oxide, described as a pesticide.

The CFS, as part of its regular food monitoring program, collected these products from three different retail outlets in Hong Kong and has directed the retailers to cease sales and remove the implicated products from their shelves.

The CFS also mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and that they may take further actions based on their findings.

Additionally, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has mandated a recall of Everest's Fish Curry Masala after detecting ethylene oxide levels that exceed the permissible limit.

As per reports, in a notice released on its website on April 18, the SFA stated that it has instructed the importer, Sp Muthiah and Sons, to recall the affected product and that this recall is currently in progress.

The SFA explained that while ethylene oxide is commonly used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination, it is not suitable for consumption. However, the SFA also clarified that the use of ethylene oxide for sterilisation of spices is permitted under Singapore’s Food Regulations.

The release added, “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 minimised as much as possible. Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are advised not to consume it. Those who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries.”