MDH and Everest Spice Products Face Scrutiny Over Carcinogenic Substance

Food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore have issued warnings against using certain spice products from major Indian brands MDH and Everest due to the presence of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide, at levels exceeding permissible limits. The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) detected the substance in four spice products - three from MDH and one from Everest.

The affected MDH products include Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder. Everest's Fish Curry Masala was also found to contain elevated levels of ethylene oxide. The CFS has instructed the public to refrain from consuming these products and has urged retailers to immediately cease selling or using them.

Similarly, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) ordered a recall of Everest's Fish Curry Masala due to the presence of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible limits. While ethylene oxide is commonly used for agricultural fumigation, its presence in food products is not permitted under regulations.

Why this matters: The presence of carcinogenic substances in widely used spice products raises significant public health concerns. As India is a global leader in spice production and export, this issue could have far-reaching implications for the industry and consumer trust.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating sufficient evidence of its cancer-causing properties in humans. Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide can lead to health issues, including lymphoma, leukemia, and stomach and breast cancers.

Authorities have advised consumers who purchased the affected products to avoid consuming them and to seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health. The CFS is coordinating with distributors and importers to initiate recalls, while investigations into the matter are ongoing. "The sale of food containing pesticide residues that are dangerous or prejudicial to health is prohibited under the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation in Hong Kong," stated a CFS spokesperson.

Key Takeaways

• Hong Kong and Singapore warn against MDH and Everest spices due to carcinogenic ethylene oxide.
• Affected MDH products include Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala, and Curry Powder.
• Everest's Fish Curry Masala also found to contain elevated levels of ethylene oxide.
• Authorities ordered recalls and advised consumers to avoid consuming the affected products.
• Presence of carcinogenic substances in widely used spices raises public health concerns.