Summary
Hong Kong has enforced a ban on the sale of popular Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. following the discovery of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in several spice mixes. The Centre For Food Safety of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region reported finding ethylene oxide in three MDH spice mixes and one Everest product. Ethylene oxide is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, posing significant health risks. In response, both Hong Kong and Singapore have taken action to protect public health, with Singapore recalling Everest products from its shelves. This incident reflects a global trend, as it follows a similar case in the US where Everest products were recalled due to Salmonella contamination in 2023. These actions underscore the importance of stringent food safety measures and international cooperation in safeguarding consumer health.
Hong Kong Takes Action Against MDH and Everest Products
Hong Kong authorities have banned the sale of renowned Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. following the alleged detection of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in multiple spice mixes. This move comes after Singapore implemented similar measures against Everest, citing elevated levels of ethylene oxide beyond permissible limits.
The Discovery: The Centre For Food Safety of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region revealed on April 5 that routine surveillance programs detected ethylene oxide in three spice mixes from MDH Group: Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder.
Carcinogenic Concerns: Ethylene oxide, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, poses significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of breast cancer. The presence of this pesticide in food products has raised alarm bells for public health authorities.
Government Action: In response to the findings, both Hong Kong and Singapore have taken swift action to safeguard public health. The Centre For Food Safety instructed vendors to cease the sale of affected products and remove them from shelves immediately.
Global Precedent: This incident is not an isolated occurrence. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered a recall of Everest Food Products due to contamination with Salmonella, highlighting previous instances of Indian spice brands facing scrutiny abroad.
A Call for Vigilance: As consumers increasingly demand transparency and safety in food products, incidents like these underscore the importance of robust quality control measures and international cooperation in ensuring food safety standards.
The ban on MDH and Everest spice brands in Hong Kong underscores the critical need for rigorous food safety protocols and regulatory oversight. With health risks associated with carcinogenic pesticides like ethylene oxide, authorities must remain vigilant in safeguarding public health and consumer trust.
Authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have banned the sale of MDH and Everest spice brands following the detection of ethylene oxide, highlighting the importance of rigorous food safety measures.
