Does Your Kitchen Masala Contain Carcinogenic Compounds?

In a recent development that has raised concerns among consumers, India's food safety regulator has decided to conduct quality checks on products from popular spice brands MDH and Everest Group. This decision comes after Hong Kong banned the sale of some of their products for allegedly containing ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing pesticide unfit for human consumption.

According to a senior Indian official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the inspections will test for the presence of ethylene oxide, which can cause cancer with long-term exposure. The official's statement highlights the severity of the situation and the potential health risks associated with the contaminated products.

MDH and Everest are well-known household names in India, widely used in both home cooking and restaurant cuisine. These brands also have a significant presence in international markets, exporting their products to various countries, including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom.

The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) announced the ban on April 5 on their website, but it only gained public attention in India on Monday when local media reported on the issue for the first time. The CFS had collected samples of three MDH pre-packaged spice products - 'Madras Curry Powder', 'Sambhar Masala Powder', and 'Curry Powder' - along with Everest Group's 'Fish Curry Masala' during a routine food surveillance program. The tests detected the presence of ethylene oxide in these products.

Following the detection, the CFS instructed vendors in the city of Tsim Sha Tsui to stop selling the affected products and remove them from their shelves. A CFS spokesperson confirmed that the concerned distributors and importers have initiated recalls on the affected products as per the CFS's instructions.

In a related incident, the Singapore Food Agency also asked for the recall of 'Everest Fish Curry Masala' on April 18 due to the presence of the same pesticide. This further underscores the need for thorough investigations and stringent quality control measures to ensure the safety of consumers.

Both MDH and Everest Group have not responded to requests for comment on the recalls, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also remained silent on the matter so far.

This is not the first time Everest Group has faced issues with its products. In June 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled two of Everest's spice mixes after they tested positive for Salmonella, adding to the company's quality control woes.

As the Indian food safety regulator prepares to test MDH and Everest spices for the presence of ethylene oxide, consumers are left worried about the safety of their favorite spice brands. The outcome of these tests will be crucial in determining the extent of the problem and the necessary actions to be taken to protect public health.

It is essential for food manufacturers to adhere to stringent quality control measures and ensure that their products are free from harmful substances. Regulatory authorities must also remain vigilant and conduct regular inspections to maintain food safety standards. Consumers, on their part, should stay informed about product recalls and exercise caution while purchasing food items.

The recent developments serve as a reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility, and all stakeholders must work together to ensure that the food we consume is safe and healthy.