The country is regularly exposed to tremors as it is located on the Pacific belt known as the Ring of Fire
world6 hours ago
Hong Kong has banned several products of MDH and one product of Everest, both popular Indian spice brands. The step comes after the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region reportedly detected ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing pesticide, in the spice variants.
In a statement dated April 5 on its website, the CFS, Hong Kong has published the list of banned spices: MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder and Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder, and Everest’s Fish Curry Masala.
Ethylene oxide is recognised as a cancer-causing substance by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
According to the CFS, it had collected food samples from three stores in Tsim Sha Tsui for regular testing and found ethylene oxide in them. The CFS then directed the stores to remove these products from their shelves.
The distributors and importers have already started recalling these products.
According to food safety laws, foods with pesticide residues can only be sold if they are safe to eat. If someone breaks this rule, they could face up to a $50,000 fine and six months in jail, the CFS added.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recalled Everest Fish Curry Masala on April 18 "due to the presence of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible limits".
“Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorised for use in food. It can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination. Under Singapore’s Food Regulations, ethylene oxide is allowed to be used in the sterilisation of spices," the Singapore SFA said in a media release on its website.
“Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are advised not to consume it. Those who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice," it added.
ALSO READ
The country is regularly exposed to tremors as it is located on the Pacific belt known as the Ring of Fire
world6 hours ago
He dreams of delivering the first-ever medal for the Palestinians when he competes in Paris
world9 hours ago
The Men in Blue have been stuck in Barbados for the past few days
world10 hours ago
Several people were injured in the flight that was on its way from from Madrid to Uruguay
world22 hours ago
The news marks the latest blow to PM Rishi Sunak, whose governing right-wing Conservatives have trailed Keir Starmer's Labour throughout the general election campaign
world1 day ago
All regions except northeastern states are likely to receive rainfall equating to more than 106 per cent of the 50-year average in July, according to India Meteorological Department
world1 day ago
He has been a thorn in the side for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative party and the rise in Reform's popularity threatens to split the right-of-centre vote
world1 day ago
The two-day meeting began on Sunday and is the third such summit to be held in Qatar in a little over a year, but the first to include the Taliban authorities who seized power in Afghanistan in 2021
world1 day ago