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’s Recent Ban: Hong Kong authorities have implemented a ban on the sale of popular Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. following the detection of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in several spice mixes. The move comes after Singapore also took similar action against Everest, alleging the presence of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible limits.
The Centre For Food Safety’s Discovery: The Centre For Food Safety of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region revealed on April 5 that routine surveillance programs identified ethylene oxide in three spice mixes from MDH Group – Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder. The statement issued by the CFS stated, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned samples from three retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui respectively for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected products.”
Ethylene Oxide Concerns: Ethylene oxide, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, poses significant health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer. Its presence in spice mixes raises serious public health concerns.
Swift Government Action: Responding to the findings, both Hong Kong and Singapore have taken decisive action to safeguard public health. Singapore has initiated a recall of Everest’s products from its shelves due to the elevated pesticide levels, mirroring Hong Kong’s efforts to protect consumers.
A History of Overseas Actions: This isn’t the first time an Indian spice brand has faced repercussions abroad. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered a recall of Everest Food Products due to Salmonella contamination.
Ensuring Consumer Safety: The actions taken by Hong Kong and Singapore underscore the importance of rigorous food safety measures and international cooperation in ensuring consumer safety. The detection of harmful substances in food products highlights the need for comprehensive quality control measures and stringent regulatory oversight.
The ban on MDH and Everest spice brands in Hong Kong serves as a reminder of the global impact of food safety violations. As authorities continue to prioritize public health, consumers are urged to remain vigilant and informed about the products they consume.
Hong Kong’s ban on MDH and Everest spice brands underscores the importance of rigorous food safety measures and international cooperation in protecting consumer health.
