Hong Kong recently banned several spice varieties manufactured by MDH and one by Everest Food Products. The decision came after authorities at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's Center for Food Safety (CFS) reportedly discovered the presence of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in the spice mixes.
MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder and Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder are now banned in Hong Kong. This also applies to Everest's Fish Curry Masala.
The CFS had collected food samples from three stores in Tsim Sha Tsui for regular testing and found ethylene oxide in the samples. The CFS had informed stores about the problem and asked them to stop selling and remove these products from their shelves.
The distributors and importers had started recalling these products. A CVS spokesperson said in a news release on April 5 that people could call hotlines during business hours for more information about the recalls.
Ethylene oxide is recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a top-level carcinogen. According to food safety laws, foods with pesticide residues can only be sold if they are safe to eat. If anyone breaks this rule, they could be fined $50,000 and jailed for six months, the spokesperson added.
Singapore bans Everest products
After Hong Kong's directive, Singapore also followed suit. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) ordered the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons, to recall Everest Fish Curry Masala on April 18.
“Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not permitted for use in food. It can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination. Singapore food regulations allow ethylene oxide to be used in the sterilization of spices,” the report said.
Does ethylene oxide cause cancer?
At the same time, it has been reported that eating foods containing small amounts of ethylene oxide is not immediately harmful, but may cause health problems in the long term. People should therefore avoid this substance as much as possible.
“Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised not to consume them. Those who have consumed the affected products and are concerned about their health should seek medical advice,” the Singapore SFA added in its press release.
According to the National Cancer Institute, lymphoma and leukemia are the cancers most commonly associated with working with ethylene oxide. Stomach and breast cancer may also be linked to exposure to this chemical. Ethylene oxide can damage DNA, which can sterilize things, but can also cause cancer, it says.
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Published: Apr 22, 2024 3:15 PM IST