CFS finds ethylene oxide in samples of prepackaged spice mix products

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 5) that samples of several kinds of prepackaged spice mix products were found to contain a pesticide, ethylene oxide. Members of the public should not consume the affected products. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess any of them.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Madras Curry Powder (Spice blend for Madras Curry)
Brand: MDH
Place of manufacture: India
Net weight: 100 grams
Best-before date: End-August 2024
Distributor: Dhillon Group of Companies Limited
Hotline: 9518 1250

Product name: Fish Curry Masala
Brand: Everest
Place of manufacture: India
Net weight: 1.75oz (50 grams)
Best-before date: September 2025
Importer and distributor: MPS FOODS (HK) LTD
Hotline: 3591 1541

Product name: Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder
Brand: MDH
Place of manufacture: India
Net weight: 100 grams
Use by date : November 2024
Importer: AGAM Trading Co.
Hotline: 9121 7676 or 9222 4131

Product name: Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder
Brand: MDH
Place of manufacture: India
Net weight: 100 grams
Use by date: November 2024
Importer: AGAM Trading Co.
Hotline: 9121 7676 or 9222 4131

A spokesman for the CFS said, "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 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."

The spokesman continued, "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 CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action. Investigations are ongoing.

Ends/Friday, April 5, 2024