MDH and Everest Food are in the news these days after the detection of a dangerous chemical in their spices in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Singapore banned the sale of products from Everest Food Products Pvt last week citing the presence of ethylene oxide over permissible limit, according to multiple news reports. Following Singapore, Hong Kong has stopped sale of products from both MDH Pvt and Everest Food Products Pvt.
Singapore’s food safety authority acknowledges the permissible use of ethylene oxide for spice sterilization but emphasizes the need to minimize exposure due to its carcinogenic nature. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety has classified ethylene oxide as a carcinogen and instructed the withdrawal of affected spice products from the market.
As the action against MDH and Everest is linked to Ethylene Oxide, let’s look at what is this chemical and why it’s considered dangerous.
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Harmful effects of Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene oxide, a chemical compound with the formula C2H4O, has been flagged for its potentially harmful effects by researchers. Despite its effectiveness as a sterilizing agent, particularly for medical equipment and fumigation of spices, ethylene oxide is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide poses significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of certain cancers and adverse effects on the nervous system.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is actively engaging in discussions with industry stakeholders regarding the mandatory testing of ethylene oxide in spice shipments destined for Singapore and Hong Kong. Additionally, the Spices Board of India is investigating the ban imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore on certain spice-mix products from Indian brands.
Also Read : MDH and Everest Spices Under Scrutiny Over Quality Control Issues
In light of these developments, both Hong Kong and Singapore have issued directives urging consumers not to purchase the banned products and instructing traders to halt their sale.
India has a significant spice export industry, valued at nearly Rs 32,000 crore during the 2022-23 fiscal year, with major exports including chili, cumin, turmeric, and cardamom, among others.
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