MDH Everest Masala Causes Cancer? Hong Kong and Singapore ban MDH Masala.

Controversy: MDH Everest Masala Tied to Cancer Concerns ?

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Omkar Devadkar

Last Updated: April 23, 2024

Summary: Hong Kong has banned three MDH and one Everest-branded spice powder, while Singapore prohibits Everest's Fish Curry Masala.

Hong Kong has prohibited the sale of prominent Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. due to the possible presence of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in various spice mixtures. Singapore took similar action against Everest last week, stating that quantities of ethylene oxide exceeded allowed limits.

According to Reuters, which cited a senior official, the food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), ordered quality inspections on the products of well-known Indian spice businesses MDH and Everest Group on Monday in response to claims that they contain a chemical that causes cancer.

Additionally, a pesticide proved to be present in Everest Group's Fish Curry Masala. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 cancer-causing agent, meaning that it poses significant health risks, such as an increased risk of breast cancer.

The CFS additionally told the concerned sellers in Tsim Sha Tsui to cease selling the items and take them off their shelves.

"The International Agency for Research on Cancer establishes 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 marketed if its consumption is not risky or harmful to the body. An offender faces a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months in prison if convicted,” according to Hong Kong authorities.

An Indian spice brand has already encountered international criticism. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) instructed Everest Food Products to be canceled following a positive test for Salmonella.