After Singapore, Hong Kong Bans Sale Of MDH, Everest Spices

In a big blow to Indian spice brands, Hong Kong has banned the sale of MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt, after an alleged detection of carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in several spice mixes. Last week Singapore also took action against Everest, alleging that the brand surpassed permissible limits over the use of ethylene oxide.

On April 5, Hong Kong’s Centre For Food Safety (CFS) announced that routine surveillance programs have found the use of ethylene oxide in three spice mixes of MDH - Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder.

The CFS also announced through its findings that the levels of ethylene oxide present in these spices exceeded the permissible limits set by the Hong Kong regulations.