Hong Kong bans sale of Indian spice brands MDH, Everest spices; know why
MDH, Everest Spices Banned: After Singapore announced a recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala, a popular spice blend imported from India, due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide deemed unsafe for human consumption, now Hong Kong followed the footsteps and prohibited the sale of well-known Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt.
This move comes after the alleged discovery of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in various spice mixes.
The Centre for Food Safety of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region disclosed on April 5th that regular surveillance programs had identified the presence of ethylene oxide in three spice mixes from the MDH Group: Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder.
Centre for Food Safety of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region official statement reads, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned samples from three retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui respectively for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected products.”
The spice blend "Fish Curry Masala" from Everest Group was also discovered to contain the pesticide. Ethylene oxide, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, poses significant health hazards, including an increased risk of breast cancer.
This development highlights the importance of strict regulation and monitoring of food products, particularly when it comes to substances like ethylene oxide. The health and safety of consumers must always be a top priority, and authorities must continue to work diligently to ensure that food products meet safety standards.
- With inputs from agencies
