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 authorities have prohibited the sale of renowned Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. following the detection of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in multiple spice mixes. This decision mirrors similar action taken by Singapore last week, which also banned Everest products due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide, surpassing permissible limits.
Uncovering Contamination: The Centre For Food Safety of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region revealed on April 5 that routine surveillance programs had detected ethylene oxide in three MDH Group spice mixes – Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder. The statement issued by the CFS emphasized, “The test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide.” Consequently, affected vendors were instructed to cease sales and remove the products from shelves.
Serious Health Implications: Ethylene oxide, categorized 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 discovery of this harmful pesticide in spice products raises concerns about public health and safety.
Swift Action for Public Health: Responding to the findings, both Hong Kong and Singapore have taken decisive measures to safeguard public health. Singapore has also initiated a recall of Everest products due to pesticide contamination exceeding safe levels, aligning with Hong Kong’s proactive stance.
Global Precedent: This is not the first instance of an Indian spice brand facing regulatory action abroad. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated the recall of Everest Food Products due to contamination with Salmonella, highlighting the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food industry.
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.
The detection of carcinogenic pesticides in Indian spice brands underscores the importance of stringent food safety regulations in safeguarding public health.