Singapore has issued a recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala, a popular spice product imported from India, citing elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide considered unfit for human consumption in spice blends.
The recall was prompted by a notification from the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong, which flagged the presence of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible limits.
In a statement, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) confirmed the recall, stating, “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 conduct a comprehensive recall of the affected products.
While ethylene oxide is commonly used as a pesticide to fumigate agricultural produce and prevent microbial contamination, its use in food products is strictly prohibited.
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Despite Singaporean regulations permitting its application for spice sterilization, the presence of elevated levels in Everest Fish Curry Masala raises concerns about potential health risks for consumers, according to the SFA.
The statement further advised consumers who have consumed the Everest Fish Curry Masala and other implicated products and are concerned about their health to seek medical advice. Additionally, consumers were encouraged to contact their point of purchase for inquiries regarding the recall. As of now, Everest has not issued a statement regarding the recall.
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