NEW DELHI: Singapore has recalled the popular product Everest Fish Curry Masala, which was imported from India, citing the alleged presence of pesticide in the spice. The action was taken in response to a notice from the Hong Kong Center for Food Safety on Thurrsdy, which noted that the product contains elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide considered unsuitable for human consumption.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in an official announcement said, “The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong has issued a notification on the recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala from India due to the presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limits.”.
The SFA has instructed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte. Ltd., to undertake a comprehensive recall of the affected products. Ethylene oxide, commonly used as a pesticide for fumigating agricultural produce to combat microbial contamination, is strictly prohibited for use in food products.Despite its permissible application in the sterilization of spices under Singaporean regulations, the presence of elevated levels in Everest Fish Curry Masala raises concerns about potential health risks for consumers, according to the SFA.
“Consumers who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for inquiries,” the SFA statement noted.
While there is no immediate risk associated with consuming food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, prolonged exposure may lead to health issues, the statement mentioned.
“As a precautionary measure, consumers are advised not to consume the affected products. Those who have already consumed the implicated Everest Fish Curry Masala and have health concerns are urged to seek medical advice,” it further said.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in an official announcement said, “The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong has issued a notification on the recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala from India due to the presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limits.”.
The SFA has instructed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte. Ltd., to undertake a comprehensive recall of the affected products. Ethylene oxide, commonly used as a pesticide for fumigating agricultural produce to combat microbial contamination, is strictly prohibited for use in food products.Despite its permissible application in the sterilization of spices under Singaporean regulations, the presence of elevated levels in Everest Fish Curry Masala raises concerns about potential health risks for consumers, according to the SFA.
“Consumers who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for inquiries,” the SFA statement noted.
While there is no immediate risk associated with consuming food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, prolonged exposure may lead to health issues, the statement mentioned.
“As a precautionary measure, consumers are advised not to consume the affected products. Those who have already consumed the implicated Everest Fish Curry Masala and have health concerns are urged to seek medical advice,” it further said.