In a shocking revelation, the famous Indian spice brands MDH and Everest have come under scrutiny for the presence of carcinogenic ingredients in their products. The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has unearthed four items containing ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing agent. This discovery has prompted Singapore to recall Everest fish curry masala imported from India.
Hong Kong’s Alarming Discovery
The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong conducted routine food surveillance and detected the presence of ethylene oxide in four products. The affected items include MDH’s curry powder, mixed masala powder, and sambhar masala, along with Everest’s Fish Curry Masala. Ethylene oxide, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, poses significant health risks.
Immediate Action Taken
Upon identifying the irregularities, Hong Kong’s food regulatory body instructed vendors to cease the sale and remove the affected products from shelves. According to regulations, food containing pesticide residue can only be sold if consumption poses no danger to health. Distributors and importers have been directed to initiate recalls promptly.
Singapore Joins the Recall
Following Hong Kong’s lead, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has ordered the comprehensive recall of the implicated products. Ethylene oxide, an unauthorized pesticide for food use, can be utilized to prevent microbial contamination in agricultural products. While low levels of exposure may not pose an immediate risk, long-term consumption can lead to severe health issues.
Past Recalls and Concerns
This isn’t the first time MDH and Everest have faced product recalls abroad. Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated the recall of Everest’s sambhar masala and garam masala due to Salmonella contamination. Similar recalls occurred in 2019, raising concerns about the safety standards of Indian spice exports.
Expert Opinions and Calls for Action
Medical experts warn of the dangers associated with ethylene oxide exposure, linking it to cancers such as lymphoma and breast cancer. Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known as LiverDoc, criticizes India’s lax approach to public health and calls for accountability. He advocates for a citizen-driven movement to ensure the safety of food products domestically and internationally.
