Singapore Food Agency Recalls Everest's Fish Curry Masala, Citing Health Concerns

Everest Fish Curry Masala is a popular spice product in India. (Credits: everestfoods.com)

Singapore orders recall of Everest's Fish Curry Masala over ethylene oxide pesticide presence. Consumers advised caution

Singapore has recalled Everest’s Fish Curry Masala, citing concerns over the “presence of ethylene oxide pesticide”, which reportedly exceeds permissible limits. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) directed the importer Sp Muthiah and Sons Pvt Ltd to withdraw the affected products following an investigation.

“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 limit. As the implicated products were imported into Singapore, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has directed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte. Ltd., to recall the products. The recall is ongoing,” the notification read. The popular spice maker has yet to respond to the recall notice.

According to SFA, ethylene oxide is unauthorised for use in food and is typically employed in agricultural settings to prevent microbial contamination. However, Singapore’s food regulations permit its use in spice sterilization. While SFA reassures that immediate risk to consumers from low levels of ethylene oxide is minimal, it emphasises the importance of minimising exposure due to potential long-term health implications.

“Although there is no immediate risk to consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, long term exposure may lead to health issues. Therefore, exposure to this substance should be minimised as much as possible. Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are advised not to consume it. Those who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries,” the directive added.

Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are advised against consumption, with those expressing health concerns urged to seek medical advice. The SFA also encourages consumers to reach out to their point of purchase for further inquiries.