Hong Kong bans sale of MDH and Everest herbs, citing presence of carcinogenic chemical ethylene oxide

Hong Kong authorities recently imposed a ban on the sale of popular Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt., for the detection of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide, in several spice blends. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Center for Food Safety has identified the presence of ethylene oxide in MDH Group’s Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder and Curry Powder, prompting immediate regulatory action. The CVS also asked the public not to consume the affected products.

What does CVS say?

The Center for Food Safety (CFS) stated that the test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS collected the above samples from three stores in Tsim Sha Tsui respectively for testing under the routine food surveillance program. The test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, namely ethylene oxide. The CFS has informed the sellers involved of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sales and remove the affected products from the shelves. Following the instructions of the CFS, the distributors/importers concerned have initiated a recall for the affected products. Members of the public may call the respective hotlines above during business hours for inquiries regarding the recall of the affected products,” the report said.

“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 hazardous or harmful for the health. An offender, upon conviction, faces a fine of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to six months,” the CSF spokesperson further added.

In response to findings, Hong Kong and Singapore In response to the findings, Hong Kong and Singapore have taken steps to protect public health. Singapore has also removed Everest items from shelves because the presence of pesticides exceeds safety levels.