Hong Kong and Singapore Ban Indian Spice Brands MDH and Everest Due to Carcinogenic Pesticide Contamination

Singapore and Hong Kong have recently imposed bans on popular Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. This action comes after the discovery of ethylene oxide, a harmful pesticide classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, in several spice mixes.

The bans were initiated due to health concerns related to the potential risks posed by ethylene oxide contamination in these spice mixes.

The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong and the relevant authorities in Singapore were responsible for detecting the presence of ethylene oxide beyond permissible limits in the spice products.

Specifically, MDH Group’s Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder, along with Everest Group’s Fish Curry Masala, were found to contain this harmful pesticide.

Ethylene oxide is a well-known health hazard and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

These recent incidents are not the first time Indian spice brands have faced scrutiny abroad. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a recall of Everest Food Products due to the presence of Salmonella in their products.

Consumers are advised to be cautious while purchasing and using spice mixes from these brands to avoid potential health risks associated with ethylene oxide contamination.

Authorities in both Singapore and Hong Kong are working to ensure the removal of the affected products from shelves and to alert vendors and consumers about the risks associated with these contaminated spice mixes.