Spice Brand Everest Faces Product Recall in Singapore, Not Banned

According to the company’s spokesperson, there is no ban on Everest products in either Singapore or Hong Kong. They explained that the Singapore food safety authority had asked the Singapore importer to recall and temporarily hold one of the company’s 60 products for further inspection. The company assured consumers that its products are safe and of high quality.

Authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have issued warnings about four products from two Indian spice brands, MDH and Everest, due to the alleged presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding the permissible limit. Ethylene oxide is classified as a ‘Group 1 carcinogen’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala, and Curry Powder, along with Everest’s Fish Curry Masala, were mentioned by Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) as containing ethylene oxide.

The regulator instructed vendors to stop the sale and remove the affected products from shelves. In Singapore, the Food Agency (SFA) ordered a recall of Everest’s Fish Curry Masala for the same reason. The SFA directed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte.

Ltd., to recall the products. The Indian government has taken action by ordering food commissioners to collect samples of spices from all manufacturing units in India. They have alerted all food commissioners in the country to start collecting samples and announced that the testing process will take about 20 days.

Strict action will be taken if harmful substances are found, including the possibility of criminal proceedings.