Hong Kong Regulator Finds Cancer-Causing Pesticide In MDH, Everest Products; Asks Not To ConsumeAs per a statement released on April 5, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of Hong Kong has issued a warning after discovering the presence of ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, in several prepackaged spice mix products. Among the affected items are from Indian Masala maker MDH’s Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, Madras Curry Powder (Spice blend for Madras Curry), and Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder, along with Everest’s Fish Curry Masala.
The CFS, under its routine Food Surveillance Programme, collected samples from retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui for testing. Results revealed the alarming presence of ethylene oxide in the aforementioned products. As a precautionary measure, the CFS has urged consumers to refrain from consuming these products immediately. Additionally, the trade has been instructed to cease the sale of these items and remove them from shelves without delay.
Ethylene oxide, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, poses significant health risks. US’ National Cancer Institute says Lymphoma and leukemia are the cancers most frequently reported to be associated with occupational exposure to ethylene oxide. Stomach and breast cancers may also be associated with ethylene oxide exposure.
“The CFS collected the 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,” a spokesman for the CFS said.
He also added that, according to the CFS’s instructions, the distributors or importers concerned have initiated recalls on the affected products. “Members of the public may call the respective hotlines above during office hours for enquiries about the recalls of the products concerned.”
The spokesman continued, “The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen. According to the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap. 132CM), a food for human consumption containing pesticide residue may only be sold if consumption of the food is not dangerous or prejudicial to health. An offender is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.”
The affected products and their details are as follows:
Madras Curry Powder (Spice blend for Madras Curry)
Brand: MDH
Place of manufacture: India
Net weight: 100 grams
Best-before date: End-August 2024
Distributor: Dhillon Group of Companies Limited
Hotline: 9518 1250
Fish Curry Masala
Brand: Everest
Place of manufacture: India
Net weight: 1.75oz (50 grams)
Best-before date: September 2025
Importer and distributor: MPS FOODS (HK) LTD
Hotline: 3591 1541
Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder
Brand: MDH
Place of manufacture: India
Net weight: 100 grams
Use by date: November 2024
Importer: AGAM Trading Co.
Hotline: 9121 7676 or 9222 4131
Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder
Brand: MDH
Place of manufacture: India
Net weight: 100 grams
Use by date: November 2024
Importer: AGAM Trading Co.
Hotline: 9121 7676 or 9222 4131
The CFS is actively monitoring the situation and has initiated recalls on the affected products in coordination with the distributors/importers. Members of the public are encouraged to contact the respective hotlines during office hours for further information regarding the recalls.
MDH, founded in 1919, is a renowned Indian spice manufacturer famous for its high-quality masala blends. With a legacy spanning over a century, MDH offers a diverse range of spice mixtures, catering to the rich culinary traditions of India, ensuring authenticity and flavor in every product.
Established in 1968, Everest has become a household name in India for its premium spice product, and produces a wide array of masalas, including curry powders and blends, reflecting the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine and satisfying discerning palates worldwide.
(Timeline has contacted MDH and Everest for their reactions on this and we will update this copy as soon we get their response).