MDH on Saturday said that its products remained completely safe amidst the ongoing scrutiny of its spice mixes by global food regulators. The spice brand has been in the news as Singapore and Hong Kong food authorities alleged recently that certain products of the brand included traces of a pesticide.
Earlier this month, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong said that it found the presence of a pesticide, namely ethylene oxide, in samples of different kinds of pre-packaged spice mix products of MDH and Everest, both Indian spice brands. The products that came under scrutiny were MDH Madras Curry Powder, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder.
As a result, the CFS urged consumers to avoid buying the products and asked the sellers to take their products off the shelves.
Responding to the controversy, MDH said that it hasn’t received communication on the matter from food safety authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore, reported PTI. Regarding the presence of ethylene oxide, known to be a human carcinogen, in its products, the Indian firm called the allegations false. “These claims are untrue and lack any substantiating evidence. Additionally, we would like to assert that MDH has not received any communication from regulatory authorities of Singapore or Hong Kong,” the firm noted.
MDH further stated that global food authorities have not shared any communication with the Spice Board of India and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. “This reinforces the fact that the allegations against MDH are baseless, unsubstantiated, and not backed by any concrete evidence. MDH reassures its buyers and customers about the safety and quality of all its products. We reassure our buyers and consumers that we do not use Ethylene Oxide (ETO) at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our spices,” the firm said via a statement.
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