Spices and masalas are the ingredients that give soul to traditional Indian food. Without the authentic spices, the curries, dal, sabzis, sambar, etc, would not taste like they have been for years. Most Indian kitchens use spices from renowned brands like MDH and Everest, as they have been in the market for decades and can be trusted.
However, recently, there have been reports of issues against the popular masala brands MDH and Everest that are spread not just in India but across the globe. In early April, the food regulatory bodies of Hong Kong released a statement that indicated the presence of cancer-causing substances in their masalas. Read on to know everything about the recent MDH and Everest case.
Singapore And Hong Kong Flags MDH And Everest Masala
As per reports, on April 5, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS), a food regulatory body of Hong Kong, claimed that the MDH Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala, and Curry Powder, and Everest’s Fish Curry Masala have ethylene oxide, which is used as a pesticide.
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The CFS spokesperson reportedly said that the consumption of ethylene oxide is not only hazardous for humans, but the defaulters will also be liable to pay up to $50,000 as a hefty fine. As per reports, another food regulatory body, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), stated that even though there are no immediate side effects of consuming ethylene oxide, the long-term risks are dangerous. Furthermore, as per the US Environmental Protection Agency, ethylene oxide can cause cancer in human beings.
Looking at the heat and gravity of the situation, the Indian food regulatory FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is reported to initiate their tests on MDH and Everest Masala to scrutinise the presence of cancer-causing preservatives. After the ban of MDH and Everest Masala in Hong Kong and Singapore, the Spice Board of India has been reported to be looking into the matter, and they are sampling the spices to ensure the health and well-being of the Indian population.