MDH and Everest spices will be examined by food safety regulator

By – Aditi Gupta

The government’s action mirrored Hong Kong’s resolution to forbid the sale of MDH and Everest, two well-known brands, in response to allegations that they contain a chemical which leads to cancer.

According to Reuters, which identified a senior official, the food safety regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ordered quality inspections on products of recognized Indian spice firms MDH and Everest Group on Monday in response to allegations that they contained a chemical that causes cancer.

The report says ethylene oxide, a dangerous chemical considered unfit for human consumption and can cause cancer with long-term exposure, would be tested for throughout the inspections.

The government’s action came hours after Hong Kong restricted the sale of two iconic spice brands in the nation, MDH and Everest, which are prevalent in Indian kitchens. The government stated to have detected the cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide in several spice blends. As per the notification from the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Centre For Food Safety, samples of three pre-packaged spice products manufactured by MDH (‘Madras Curry Powder,’ ‘Sambhar Masala Powder,’ and ‘Curry Powder’) and Everest Group’s ‘Fish Curry Masala’ were taken for testing as part of the regular food surveillance program when the pesticide was found to be present.

The CFS also gave the concerned Tsim Sha Tsui city vendors directives to take specific items off their shelves and stop selling them.

Group 1 carcinogen rating for ethylene oxide has been granted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. A food for human consumption containing pesticide residue may only be advertised if consuming the product has no health risks, as per the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap. 132CM). Following a conviction, an offender suffers a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months in prison according to a notice from Hong Kong’s government.

Subsequently, Singapore ordered the spice importer to initiate the product recall procedure.

“Consumers who have eaten the contaminated products and have concerns about their health should consult a doctor.” For inquiries, customers must get in touch with their point of purchase, says the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).