Why Hong Kong and Singapore have banned the sale of MDH and Everest Spices

Updated Apr 22, 2024 11:55 IST

In making the announcement on April 5, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s Center for Food Safety said that “routine surveillance programs had revealed the presence of ethylene oxide in three MDH Group spice mixes – Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and curry powder.”

MDH, Everest herbs banned in Hong Kong, Singapore

Hong-Kong has imposed a ban on the sale of well-known Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt following the alleged detection of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in several spice mixes. Last week, Singapore took action against Everest, citing the presence of ethylene oxide at levels that exceeded permitted limits.

“The CFS collected the above-mentioned samples from three stores in Tsim Sha Tsui respectively for testing under its routine food surveillance program. The test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS has notified the concerned vendors of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sales and withdraw the affected products from the shelves,” the statement said.

The press release further stated that Everest Group’s Fish curry masala was found to contain the pesticide. 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), food for human consumption containing pesticide residues may only be sold if the consumption of the food is not dangerous or injurious to health is.

Meanwhile, in response to the findings, both Hong Kong and Singapore have taken action to protect public health. Citing the presence of pesticides above safe levels, Singapore has also removed Everest’s products from its shelves.

The Indian spice brand previously also faced repercussions abroad. In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered a recall of Everest Food Products after they tested positive for Salmonella.

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