In a recent development, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala, a popular spice blend imported from India, due to concerns over pesticide contamination.
The recall was prompted by the detection of high levels of ethylene oxide, a banned pesticide, in the Everest Fish Curry Masala. Ethylene oxide is a fumigant commonly used to control microbial growth in agricultural products. However, its presence in food items is strictly prohibited in Singapore due to potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure. This discovery came following a similar recall of the production in Hong Kong, indicating a broader issue that requires immediate attention.
The SFA, in a statement released on April 18th. 2024, directed the importer, SP Muthia and Sons Pte Ltd, to initiate a comprehensive recall of the affected products from Singaporean markets. SFA has also assured the consumers that the immediate health risk from consuming low levels of ethylene oxide is considered low but they have advised against the consumption of the same. Hence, they have recalled the Everest Fish Curry Masala and recommend seeking medical advice if any health concerns arise.
Consumers have started questioning the extent of the contamination issue and seeking reassurance regarding the safety of other products in the market. The lack of transparency from Everest regarding the recall details and the steps taken to address the situation has further added to the consumer’s unease.
Although the immediate health risks with low-level ethylene oxide exposure are considered minimal, prolonged consumption can pose a variety of health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence to link it to cancer development in humans.
The recent recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala highlights the importance of robust food safety measures and consumer vigilance. It emphasizes the importance of conducting strict testing and inspection procedures to prevent harmful substances from entering the food supply chain, SFA plays an important role in this regard, implementing strict regulations to ensure the safety and quality of food items available to consumers.
This incident is likely to hurt the reputation of the Everest brand in Singapore and potentially other markets. Regaining customer’s trust will require transparency and a swift response from Everest. However, so far no official statement has been made by the company clarifying the extent of the contamination or steps they will be taking to address the issue,
The Everest Fish Curry Masala serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing vigilance in the food safety area. Only a strong collaboration between food regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and consumers will ensure the maintenance of a safe and healthy food supply chain. It is a brand’s responsibility to ensure that contaminated products are not circulated in the supply chain. Consumers should also stay vigilant to safeguard themselves from potential health risks and should promptly update their nation’s respective food inspection authority regarding any suspicious contamination.
