In a press release by the Centre of Food Safety (CFS), Department of Hong Kong said that “samples of several kinds of prepackaged spice mix products were found to contain a pesticide, ethylene oxide. Members of the public should not consume the affected products. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess any of them.”
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen. According to the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation, a food for human consumption containing pesticide residue may only be sold if consumption of the food is not dangerous or prejudicial to health. Similarly, Singapore took quick precautionary steps and began its own tests of samples.
In India, there’s a ban on using ethylene oxide in food items. As soon as the warning bell from Hong Kong hit the other countries, India took regulatory actions as well. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked states to collect powdered samples of different brands and will be sent to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). A consolidated report is expected within 25 days. In light of the recent backlash received by Nestle, it is also collecting samples of baby products to verify them.
Ethylene Oxide and its effects ?
According to the National Cancer Institute of India, ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas at room temperature and has a sweet odor. Primarily it is used to produce other chemicals such as anti-freezing. However, in small quantities it is used as a pesticide and sterilizing agent.
It can alter DNA structures which makes it harmful for human consumption and account for cancer-causing activities. People living near industrial facilities that use or produce this chemical are often exposed to it. The general population may be exposed through tobacco and medical products and cosmetics that use ethylene oxide as a sterilizing agent.
Earlier in September 2020,, Belgium had raised a similar concern regarding sesame seeds exported from India. As a result thousands of food products were recalled from the European markets.
Everest Responded
Masala company, Everest has completely denied allegations of its products being banned in Singapore and Hong Kong. According to a spokesperson from Everest in an NDTV interview, “There have been reports of Everest being banned in Singapore and Hong Kong, but we want to clarify that this is false. Everest isn’t banned in either country. Only one out of 60 Everest products has been held for examination.”
Its one product has been held “temporaliy” only and the rest products are “safe and of high quality”.
“Everest upholds strict hygiene and safety standards in its manufacturing facilities,” the company emphasized.
