In a move following similar actions taken by Singapore, Hong Kong has prohibited the sale of renowned Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. due to the alleged presence of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in multiple spice mixes.Ethylene Oxide DetectionThe Centre For Food Safety of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region revealed on April 5 that routine surveillance programmes detected ethylene oxide in three spice mixes from MDH Group. The affected products include Sambhar Masala Powder, Madras Curry Powder, and Curry Powder.The regulatory body 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.Health Risks AssociatedThe presence of ethylene oxide, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, poses significant health risks. Exposure to this pesticide is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and other health complications.In response to these alarming findings, both Hong Kong and Singapore have taken swift measures to protect public health. Singapore has initiated a recall of Everests products from its shelves due to the pesticide levels exceeding safety thresholds.
