Singapore authorities have issued a recall for Everest’s Fish Curry Masala, a well-known product in India, citing the detection of ethylene oxide, a pesticide, in levels surpassing the permissible threshold.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA), in a statement released on Thursday, directed Sp Muthiah and Sons Pvt Ltd, the importer, to initiate the recall process.
According to the SFA, ethylene oxide, utilized for fumigating agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination, is not authorized for food usage.
“Under Singapore’s Food Regulations, ethylene oxide is allowed to be used in the sterilization of spices,” highlighted the SFA.
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While the agency noted that immediate consumption of food tainted with low levels of ethylene oxide poses no immediate threat, prolonged exposure may lead to health complications.
“There is no immediate risk to consumption of food. Therefore, exposure to this substance should be minimized as much as possible,” emphasized the SFA.
“Consumers who have purchased the affected products are strongly advised against consumption. Furthermore, individuals who have consumed the implicated products and harbor health concerns are urged to seek medical guidance,” the advisory said.
Everest, the manufacturer, has not yet responded to this development.