Australia’s food safety agency is investigating accusations of contamination related to spices from Indian companies MDH and Everest. Following Hong Kong’s suspension of sales of certain spice blends earlier this month, Australian regulators are assessing whether a food recall is necessary.
Singapore has also ordered a recall of the Everest mix due to high levels of ethylene oxide, deeming it unfit for human consumption and a potential cancer risk. Hong Kong previously detected ethylene oxide in samples of the affected products, prompting them to instruct vendors to cease sales.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) stated they are collaborating with international counterparts to understand the issue. The agency emphasized that ethylene oxide is not permitted as a treatment for foods sold in Australia, suggesting the possibility of recalling the products in question.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is gathering additional information on the matter, while India is reportedly inspecting the manufacturing plants of MDH and Everest. The scrutiny from multiple regulatory bodies underscores growing concerns over the safety of these spice brands and their potential impact on public health.
