After the backlash from Singapore and Hong Kong and coming under scrutiny of Indian authorities, the Australian food safety regulation body is examining allegations related to adulterated products of MDH and Everest, suggests a Reuters report.
The regulatory body would decide to recall products based on research outcomes.
Earlier this month, the Hong Kong government banned the trade of MDH spices blend and Everest fish curry masala upon finding ethylene oxide in products.
Singapore ordered the recalling of the Everest mix owing to high levels of ethylene oxide in the product, cautioning against its harm to human consumption and alerting the possibility of causing cancer when consumed for years.
Earlier, Hong Kong said, “The CSF 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 sales and remove from shelves the affected products.”
Australia is comprehending the issue and working attentively with international counterparts to decide on further course of action.
“We are working with international counterparts to understand the issue and with federal, state, and territory food enforcement agencies to determine if further action is required in Australia,” Food Standards Australia New Zealand said, quoted by news agency Reuters.
The regulatory agency could call back the implicated products owing to the presence of Ethylene oxide, which is impermissible to use as a treatment for foods sold in Australia.
Similarly, the US FDA is collecting the required information to check the quality standards, while Indian authorities have begun inspecting the plants of MDH and Everest.
As per the Indian Express report, the US customs authorities chucked 31% of MDH spice shipments in the last six months versus 15% in 2023.
MDH Refutes Claim, Calls It Baseless:
In response to the allegations by Hong Kong and Singapore authorities over four of its contaminated products, MDH refuted using ethylene oxide at any stage of spice production. It assured customers of the quality standards the company adheres to.
It said, “We do not use ethylene oxide at any stage of our spice production. Our products adhere to stringent health and safety standards both in India and internationally.”
The company, in its statement, called the accusations baseless and short of evidence. MDH emphasized, “The allegations lack evidence and are thus baseless and unsubstantiated.”