New Delhi:

MDH, a leading spice brand, on Saturday assured consumers that its products are 100 per cent safe and rejected the allegations of the presence of certain pesticides in some products by Hong Kong and Singapore food regulators.

Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety (CFS) said that samples of several kinds of pre-packaged spice-mix products of two Indian brands MDH and Everest were found to contain a pesticide ethylene oxide.

The CFS asked consumers not to buy and traders not to sell MDH’s Madras Curry Powder (spice blend for Madras curry), Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder.

In a statement, MDH said it has not received any communications from Hong Kong and Singapore food safety regulators.

In reference to the alleged presence of ETO (ethylene oxide) in some of its products, MDH said that “these claims are untrue and lack any substantiating evidence”.

“Additionally, we would like to assert that MDH has not received any communication from regulatory authorities of Singapore or Hong Kong.” MDH stated that the Spice Board of India and food regulator FSSAI have not received any communication or test reports from Hong Kong or Singapore authorities regarding this matter.

“This reinforces the fact that the allegations against MDH are baseless, unsubstantiated, and not backed by any concrete evidence,” the statement said.

“MDH reassures its buyers and customers about the safety and quality of all its products.

“We reassure our buyers and consumers that we do not use Ethylene Oxide (ETO) at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our spices,” the statement said.

The company also said it abides by health and safety standards, both domestically and internationally.

“MDH tagline, ‘Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH’ and ‘Real Spices of India’ reflect our genuine commitment to providing authentic, high-quality spices to customers,” the company said.

After Hong Kong’s directive, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also ordered a recall of imported ‘Everest Fish Curry Masala’.

India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices.

In 2022-23, the country exported spices worth nearly Rs 32,000 crore. Chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder and cardamom are major spices exported. 

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The Singapore Food Agency recalled Everest Fish Curry Masala from India alleging the presence of a pesticide.

The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong on April 18 recalled Everest Fish Curry Masala from India alleging the presence of a pesticide called ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limit.

In a statement released, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said “Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorised for use in food. It can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination. Under Singapore’s Food Regulations, ethylene oxide is allowed to be used in the sterilisation of spices.”

It added that although there is no immediate risk to consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, long-term exposure may lead to health issues. Therefore, exposure to this substance should be minimised as much as possible.

“Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are advised not to consume it. Those who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries,” the SFA said.

New Delhi:

Singapore has recalled Everest Fish Curry Masala, a popular spice product imported from India, alleging the presence of elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide deemed unsuitable for human consumption in the spice blend. This move comes in response to a notification issued by the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong, highlighting the presence of ethylene oxide at levels surpassing permissible limits.

“The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong has issued a notification on the recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala from India due to the presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limits,” the Singapore Food Agency said in a statement. 

The SFA has directed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte. Ltd., to initiate a comprehensive recall of the products. 

Ethylene oxide, while commonly used as a pesticide for fumigating agricultural produce to mitigate microbial contamination, is strictly prohibited for use in food products. Despite its permissible application in the sterilisation of spices under Singaporean regulations, the presence of elevated levels in Everest Fish Curry Masala poses a potential health risk to consumers, the SFA said. 

“Those who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries,” the SFA statement read. 

Everest has not issued a statement on this yet.