Explained: Why Are MDH And Everest Spices Under The Spotlight? What Is Ethylene Oxide?

MDH and Everest spices have become the eye of the storm. Singapore authority SFA(Singapore Food Authority) recalled Everest Fish Curry Masala after finding ethylene oxide in it at levels “exceeding the permissible limit”. This was followed by Hong Kong authorities withdrawing four spice blends namely MDH Madras Curry Powder, MDH Sambhar Masala Powder, MDH Curry Powder and Everest Fish Curry Masala.

Both the countries cited the same reason - ethylene oxide.

Hong Kong And Singapore Take The Masala Mixes Off Their Shelves

Delishably/ Representational Image

Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department mentioned on its website that it “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,” reported Hindustan Times.

The CFS instructed vendors to take down the impacted products from their shelves and initiated an inquiry. The regulatory body also suggested that "suitable measures" could be implemented.

On the other hand, SFA (Singapore Food Authority) did clarify that there was no immediate risk from consumption but if done in a prolonged period, it could pose health risks due to the presence of the said chemical.

Have Spice Brands MDH, Everest Reacted To The Ban?

MDH

Everest Food Products Pvt has addressed the controversy, asserting that its spices have not faced a ban in Hong Kong and Singapore.

"There have been rumors of Everest being prohibited in Singapore and Hong Kong, but we would like to clarify that this is untrue. Everest has not been banned in either country. Only one out of the 60 Everest products has been retained for examination," a spokesperson for the company informed NDTV Profit.

The spokesperson mentioned that one of Everest's products has been "temporarily" suspended in Singapore following the alert issued by Hong Kong.

The company reaffirmed that its products are "safe and of high quality." "Everest maintains stringent hygiene and safety standards in its manufacturing facilities," it emphasized.

India Seeks Details From Food Regulators Of Singapore, Hong Kong

India has requested information from food safety authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong. Additionally, the commerce ministry has instructed Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong to provide a comprehensive report on the situation.

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The ministry has also requested details from the Indian firms MDH and Everest, whose products have been banned for allegedly containing the pesticide 'ethylene oxide' beyond permissible limits.

"Details have been sought from the companies. Root cause of the rejection and corrective actions will be determined along with the exporters concerned," a commerce ministry official said, as reported by PTI.

What Is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet odor at room temperature. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), it is primarily utilized in the production of various chemicals, including ethylene glycol (used as antifreeze).

Additionally, ethylene oxide is employed in the manufacturing of textiles, detergents, polyurethane foam, medications, adhesives, and solvents. As a fumigant, it is utilized in food spices to prevent microbial contamination, such as E. coli and Salmonella.

According to NCI, ethylene oxide is capable of damaging DNA, making it an effective sterilizing agent. Consequently, it is utilized in hospitals for sterilization of surgical equipment.

Exposure to ethylene oxide can increase the risk of lymphoid cancer and breast cancer in women, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a harmful pesticide, it is deemed unsuitable for human consumption.

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