Urgent safety alert: Ban imposed on MDH in Hong Kong due to Carcinogenic contamination

Hong Kong's food safety authority has taken action against popular Indian spice brands MDH and Everest, banning four of their products due to the presence of a cancer-causing chemical.

Health hazard uncovered: Ethylene Oxide detected

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong identified ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide, in three MDH products - Madras Curry Powder, Mixed Masala Powder, and Sambhar Masala - along with Everest's Fish Curry Masala. This chemical, deemed unsuitable for human consumption, was found during routine food surveillance.

The CFS strictly regulates pesticide residues in food, enforcing limits to ensure consumer safety. Any food found to exceed these limits is prohibited from sale under Hong Kong regulations. The recent discovery prompted immediate action, with vendors instructed to remove the affected products from shelves.

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Cross-border concerns: Impact beyond Hong Kong

Singapore's Food Agency (SFA) followed suit, recalling Everest's Fish Curry Masala after detecting elevated levels of ethylene oxide. While SFA reassured consumers about the immediate risk being low, prolonged exposure to this chemical poses health concerns due to its carcinogenic nature.

Both MDH and Everest are yet to address the reports of carcinogens in their products publicly. However, the regulatory authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have emphasized the importance of consumer safety, signaling potential repercussions for non-compliance.

This incident underscores the global nature of food safety and the need for stringent monitoring across borders. The swift action taken by food safety authorities highlights their commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain.

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