Indian home cooks, beware! A popular fish curry masala brand is under recall in Singapore due to concerns about excessive pesticide content. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has directed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte Ltd, to recall Everest Fish Curry Masala after tests revealed the presence of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible limits.
Ethylene oxide is a pesticide commonly used to fumigate agricultural products and prevent microbial contamination. While it can be used for spice sterilization under specific regulations, Singapore has a complete ban on its use in spices themselves.
The SFA emphasizes that while low levels of ethylene oxide may not pose an immediate health risk, chronic exposure can lead to health problems. Therefore, minimizing exposure is crucial.
The SFA has issued a public advisory urging consumers who purchased the Everest Fish Curry Masala to refrain from consuming it. They recommend contacting the point of purchase for inquiries and advise those who have already consumed the product and have health concerns to seek medical advice.
The current recall is specific to Singapore and applies to products imported by Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte Ltd. There is no indication of a similar recall in India at this time. However, this incident highlights the importance of food safety regulations and potential risks associated with pesticide residues in imported food products.
Everest Masala, the manufacturer of the product, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the Singapore recall. Consumers in India who are concerned may choose to contact the company directly for clarification.
This incident underscores the significance of stringent food safety regulations and inspections. It is crucial for regulatory bodies to monitor imported food products to ensure consumer safety.
The Singapore recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant about the food they consume. While the immediate health risk might be low, it's important to be aware of potential hazards and follow advisories from food safety agencies. As the situation with Everest Fish Curry Masala unfolds, it will be interesting to see if the recall expands to other countries and if the manufacturer takes any corrective actions.