Hong Kong bans MDH and Everest fragrances after cancer-causing chemicals discovered

Hong Kong’s food safety regulator has banned four spice products from popular Indian brands MDH and Everest after they found they contained cancer-causing chemicals.

The Center for Food Safety (CFS) announced on April 5 that ethylene oxide (ethylene oxide) was detected in three MDH products (Madras curry powder, mixed masala powder and sambal masala) and Everest’s Fish Curry Masala. A pesticide classified as a carcinogen).

The CFS said that under its daily food surveillance program, samples of these four products were taken and found to contain ethylene oxide and were unfit for human consumption. Hong Kong regulations prohibit the sale of food with pesticide residues exceeding safe limits.

The Center reported: “According to the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Chapter 132CM), food for human consumption containing pesticide residues may only be sold if consumption does not cause harm or damage to health. “

The CFS has ordered merchants to remove the affected products from shelves and has launched an investigation. The regulator also said it may take “appropriate action”.

Following Hong Kong’s example, The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has also recalled Everest Fish Curry Masala Due to ethylene oxide exceeding permissible levels.

While the State Forestry Administration clarified that low levels of ethylene oxide pose no immediate risk, long-term consumption may pose health risks due to the chemical’s carcinogenic properties.

MDH and Everest have not publicly responded to reports that their products contain carcinogens.