Hong Kong and Singapore have recalled famous Indian spices from MDH and Everest because of an abundance of hazardous ethylene oxide. The International Agency for Research on Cancer designated ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Hong Kong and Singapore have expressed worries about the safety of famous Indian spice goods, prompting a recall of specific items.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong carried out routine food monitoring and discovered that four items from renowned Indian brands MDH and Everest contained ethylene oxide, an insecticide deemed unsafe for consumption by humans and designated as a Group 1 cancer-causing agent by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
However, the responsible organizations have not responded to the disclosure of levels that exceed the allowed limit.
MDH's curry powder (a spice blend for Madras curry), mixed masala powder, and sambhar masala, as well as Everest's Fish Curry Masala, have all been affected. Following this finding, both regulatory bodies directed vendors to suspend sales and remove the goods from stores.
The Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap. 132CM) states that foods intended for human consumption with pesticide residue may only be sold if they are not unsafe or harmful to health. Failure to follow these regulations could result in fines and jail time.
The CFS conducted this investigation as part of its usual food surveillance program, collecting items from three retail establishments in Hong Kong. "The test results showed that the specimens contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide," said a CFS representative.
This isn't the first time Indian spice items have been scrutinized in Western markets. Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that Everest Food Products recall several items after they proved positive for Salmonella, a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne disease.
As investigations concerning the existence of ethylene oxide in Indian spices continue, consumers should avoid consuming the affected goods. Anyone who has previously ingested these goods and has health issues should seek medical attention immediately.
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