Australia Mulls Ban on MDH: A food safety agency in Australia is investigating allegations of contamination relating to spices from Indian companies MDH and Everest.
After Hong Kong suspended sales of three MDH spice blends and an Everest fish curry mix this month, the Australian regulator will determine whether a food recall is required.
A recall of the Everest mix in Singapore was also ordered, as agencies flagged high levels of ethylene oxide in the product as unfit for human consumption and a cancer risk.
In an earlier statement, Hong Kong said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned samples from three retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui for routine testing.”.
Upon testing, the samples were found to contain ethylene oxide, a pesticide. The CFS has notified the vendors of the irregularities and instructed them to stop selling the products.
“We are working with international counterparts to understand the issue and with federal, state and territory food enforcement agencies to determine if further action is required in Australia,” Food Standards Australia New Zealand said as per news agency Reuters.
According to its statement, “Ethylene oxide is not permitted to be used as a treatment for Australian foods.”.
Aside from the US FDA, India is also reportedly inspecting the plants of MDH and Everest.
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