Hong Kong bans four spice products of MDH

Cancer-causing chemical found in these products

Singapore too has recalled fish curry masala

Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has imposed a ban on four spice products from renowned Indian brands MDH and Everest after discovering the presence of a cancer-causing chemical. The banned products include MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Mixed Masala Powder, and Sambhar Masala, along with Everest’s Fish Curry Masala. Ethylene oxide, a pesticide classified as a carcinogen, was detected in these products during routine food surveillance.

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Under Hong Kong regulations, the sale of food containing pesticide residues exceeding safe limits is prohibited. The CFS emphasized that such food should not pose any danger or health risk to consumers. Vendors have been instructed to remove the affected products from shelves, and an investigation has been launched. The regulator has hinted at taking “appropriate action” in response to the findings.

Singapore’s Food Agency (SFA) has followed suit by recalling Everest’s Fish Curry Masala due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide. Although SFA clarified that there is no immediate risk associated with low levels of ethylene oxide, prolonged consumption could potentially lead to health hazards due to its carcinogenic nature.

These developments underscore the importance of stringent food safety measures and highlight the global impact of ensuring consumer protection against harmful substances in food products.