Spice Brand Everest Amid Row: Not Banned, 1 Product Recalled In Singapore

The company’s spokesperson clarified that Everest is not banned in either country. The Singapore food safety authority referred to Hong Kong’s recall alert and asked the Singapore importer to recall and temporarily hold the product for further inspection.

The company emphasized that only one out of its range of 60 products has been held for examination and assured consumers of the safety and high quality of its products. Hong Kong and Singapore food regulators have issued warnings against using 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. MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala, and Curry Powder, along with Everest’s Fish Curry Masala, were found to contain ethylene oxide, according to Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS).

The regulator instructed vendors to stop the sale and remove the affected products from shelves. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also ordered the recall of Everest’s Fish Curry Masala due to the presence of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible limits.

The Indian government has ordered food commissioners to collect samples of spices from all manufacturing units in India. The process of collecting samples has begun, and reports are expected from the lab within 20 days.

Strict action, including criminal proceedings, will be taken if harmful substances are found in the Indian spices.