AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
New Delhi, In a significant food safety measure, Singapore and Hong Kong have banned the import of spices from two major Indian brands, MDH Pvt Ltd and Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd, citing the presence of a cancer-causing chemical.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the bans were instituted following tests that revealed the spices contained ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic disinfectant not approved for consumption. Singapore initially acted by banning the sale of Everest fish curry spices last week after detecting high levels of the chemical. Subsequently, both Singapore and Hong Kong have extended the ban to include various spice products from both MDH and Everest.
The Singapore Food Agency has explicitly cited the health risks associated with ethylene oxide, which include cancer, as the primary reason for the ban. This preventive measure aims to protect consumers from the potential adverse health effects posed by the contaminated products.