The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has taken swift action by ordering the recall of Everest fish curry masala, imported from India, after discovering higher-than-permissible levels of pesticide ethylene oxide. The decision came following a statement issued on April 18, revealing that the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong had also issued a recall notification.
According to the statement, the presence of ethylene oxide at levels unsuitable for human consumption prompted the recall. The SFA directed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons, to initiate the recall process immediately, which is currently underway.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the SFA emphasised that ethylene oxide is not authorised for use in food. While the chemical compound is typically used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination, its presence in spices for sterilisation purposes is permitted under Singaporean laws.
The SFA cautioned that long-term consumption of ethylene oxide can pose health risks, but assured the public that there is no immediate danger from consuming food contaminated with low levels of the pesticide.
Source-MoneyControl