On 20 April, South First reported that Hong Kong’s food regulator identified four products from spice brands MDH and Everest containing the pesticide ethylene oxide, which is classified as a Group-1 carcinogen by IARC.
Everest's Fish Curry Masala was found to contain more-than-permissible limits of ethylene oxide (Supplied)
After four products from spice brands MDH and Everest were flagged for containing cancer-causing ingredients beyond permissible limits by Hong Kong’s food safety regulator, Everest Food Products on Tuesday, 23 April asserted that all its products are safe and of high quality.
The company, in a statement, also said Everest products were not banned in either country.
“Only one out of 60 Everest products has been held for examination. This is a standard procedure and not a ban,” the company spokesperson said in a statement.
“We reassure our customers that our products are safe and of high quality, so there is no need for concern,” the company spokesperson added.
On 20 April, South First reported that Hong Kong’s food regulator, Centre for Food Safety (CFS), identified four products from spice brands MDH and Everest containing the pesticide ethylene oxide, which is classified as a Group-1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Singapore’s food safety authority referred to Hong Kong’s recall alert and asked the company’s Singapore importer to recall and temporarily hold the product for further inspection, the spokesperson said.
Stating that food safety is the company’s top priority, the spokesperson said, “…all our products undergo stringent quality control checks. Exports are cleared only after receiving necessary clearances & approval from the laboratories of the Spice Board of India.”
Everest, a brand with over 50 years of experience, upholds strict hygiene and safety standards in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, earning numerous national and international certifications, the statement added.
The food regulator of Hong Kong found that three products of MDH — Madras Curry Powder (spice blend for Madras Curry), Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder — and Everest Fish Curry Masala contained the pesticide ethylene oxide.
“The CFS of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today that samples of several kinds of prepackaged spice mix products were found to contain a pesticide, ethylene oxide,” it said in a statement on 5 April.
“Members of the public should not consume the affected products. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess any of them,” the food regulator added.
“The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop the sale and remove from shelves the affected products. According to the CFS’ instructions, the distributors/importers concerned have initiated recalls on the affected products,” it said.
“The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ethylene oxide as a Group-1 carcinogen. According to the pesticide residues in Food Regulation (Cap. 132CM), food for human consumption containing pesticide residue may only be sold if consumption of the food is not dangerous or prejudicial to health. An offender is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction,” the CFS further said.
It added in the statement that it would continue to follow up on incidents and take appropriate action.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also ordered the recall of Everest’s Fish Curry Masala 50g packets imported from India after it was found to contain more-than-permissible limits of ethylene oxide.
In a statement, the agency said that the CSF had issued a notification on the recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala from India due to the presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limits.
It added that as the implicated products were imported into Singapore, the SFA had directed the importer — SP Muthiah & Sons Pte Ltd — to recall the products. The recall is ongoing.
“Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorised for use in food. It can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination. Under Singapore’s Food Regulations, ethylene oxide is allowed to be used in the sterilisation of spices,” said the SFA.
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 them. 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,” said the SFA.
(With PTI inputs)
(Edited by Shauqueen Mizaj)
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