New Delhi: A culinary disruption has occurred in kitchens throughout Singapore as the government, acting upon food safety concerns, has initiated a recall of the widely used Everest Fish Curry Masala. The spice mixture, produced in India, has been found to contain levels of Ethylene Oxide that surpass the safety limits set by Singaporean authorities.
Ethylene Oxide, a well-known fumigant utilized in the agricultural sector, plays a critical role in curbing microbial contamination but is deemed unsafe for direct food application. While the use of this chemical in food production is strictly controlled, there appears to have been an oversight leading to its elevated presence in the culinary spice mix.
Singapore Food Agency (SFA), the nation’s food regulatory body, has clear guidelines regarding the sterilization of spices which include the permissible usage of Ethylene Oxide for this purpose. However, when levels exceed the set thresholds, as in the case of Everest Fish Curry Masala, strict action is mandated to protect public health.
“Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorised for use in food. It can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination. Under Singapore’s Food Regulations, ethylene oxide is allowed to be used in the sterilisation of spices,” the SFA emphasized, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Sp Muthiah and Sons Pvt Ltd, the company responsible for importing the mentioned product into Singapore, has consequently been directed to orchestrate the recall. This decisive move by the authorities seeks to mitigate any potential health peril that the current contamination levels might pose to consumers in the long term.
The SFA has communicated its stance, calming immediate concerns but stressing the importance of vigilance: “Although there is no immediate risk to consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, long-term exposure may lead to health issues. Therefore, exposure to this substance should be minimized as much as possible.”
This message of cautious health practice was further underlined by the agency’s advice to consumers. Individuals who have purchased the product in question are strongly advised not to consume it and to seek medical advice should they have any health concerns following its consumption. The agency has also opened a communication line, urging customers to contact their point of purchase for further enquiries regarding the recall.
The situation has captured the attention of those within and outside the food industry, as both consumers and regulatory bodies are reminded of the importance of stringent quality control processes, particularly when it involves imported food products. This incident questions the protective measures taken across borders and the due diligence practiced by both local and international suppliers in an ever-globalizing food market.
At the time this article is being written, Everest, the manufacturer of the spice mix, has not come forward with an official statement in response to the recall. The reticence on the part of Everest raises inquiries about the company’s internal quality assurance protocols and its actions to address the issue moving forward.
While the food safety ecosystem in Singapore remains robust, instances such as this one highlight the continual need for vigilance and prompt responsiveness to ensure that public health is never compromised. It will be essential to follow up on how Everest addresses the concerns raised and the steps taken to prevent recurrence.
As the situation unfolds, consumers are encouraged to stay informed via updates from the SFA and are reminded to always check the safety of their food products, reinforcing the message that prevention is better than cure when it comes to food-borne health risks.
