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

What Does CFS Say? 

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) stated that the test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS collected the above-mentioned 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 the sale and remove from shelves the affected products. According to the CFS's instructions, the distributors/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,” it said. 

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"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 CSF spokesman further added. 

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In the wake of findings, Hong Kong and Singapore In reaction to the findings, Hong Kong and Singapore have taken steps to protect public health. Singapore has also withdrawn Everest items from its shelves, alleging the presence of pesticides exceeding safety levels. 

This is not the first time when a Indian spice brands have faced major action abroad. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of Everest Food Products in 2023 after they tested positive for Salmonella.