The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has requested the states, gather samples and conduct tests on branded spices. After detecting high levels of ethylene oxide, authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have issued orders to withdraw four spice mixes from two famous Indian spice manufacturers, MDH and Everest.
On April 18, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a statement recalling ‘Everest’ fish curry masala. The reason for the recall was the detection of ethylene oxide, a pesticide that exceeds the permissible limits for use in food.
SFA advised consumers not to consume the product and instructed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons, to initiate the recall process.
A representative from Everest clarified that, despite reports, the company is not banned in Singapore or Hong Kong. Following Hong Kong’s recall alert, the Singapore Food Safety Authority simply requested a recall and temporary hold of one out of 60 Everest products for further inspection.
This is a standard procedure and not a ban, Everest assures customers that their products are safe and of high quality, so there is no hazard.
According to officials well-informed, the FSSAI previously announced that it would request lab reports for samples from India and present them to the existing free subject expert committee for analysis. A complete report on spices is expected to be released within 25 days.
Officials stated that spice mixes from all brands will undergo testing for ethylene oxide, a compound prohibited in food products according to regulations. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorizes ethylene oxide as a carcinogen.
Date : 18 May 2023 Time : 10 AM to 05 PM Faculty : Asmita Thaokar (FSSAI National Level Resource Person)
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