Spice Brand Everest Recalls 1 Product in Singapore, Not Banned amid Controversy

A company spokesperson confirmed that Everest products have not been banned in either Hong Kong or Singapore. The spokesperson stated that the Singapore food safety authority requested the company’s Singapore importer to recall and temporarily hold one product for further inspection, out of the company’s range of 60 products.

The company emphasized that its products are safe and of high quality. Food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore have issued warnings regarding the use of four products from two Indian spice brands, MDH and Everest, due to the alleged presence of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible limits.

Ethylene oxide is classified as a ‘Group 1 carcinogen’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety identified three products from MDH and one product from Everest containing ethylene oxide and instructed vendors to stop the sale and remove the affected products from shelves.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) ordered a recall of Everest’s Fish Curry Masala due to the presence of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible limits. The agency directed the importer to recall the products and posted a release on its website regarding the matter.

In response to these developments, the Indian government has ordered food commissioners to collect samples of spices from all manufacturing units in India. It was reported that the process of collecting samples from all spice manufacturing units had commenced, and the lab report is expected to be available in about 20 days.

The government sources emphasized that strict action will be taken if harmful substances are found in Indian spices, including the possibility of criminal proceedings.