Yesterday (18 April 2024), the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a statement, recalling Everest Fish Curry Masala from India due to the presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limits.
The media release was published after the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong issued a notification on the recall.
As the implicated products were imported into Singapore, SFA has directed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte. Ltd., to recall the products. The recall is ongoing.
Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene Oxide is a pesticide that can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination. It is, however, not authorised for use in food.
Under Singapore’s Food Regulations, it is allowed to be used in the sterilisation of spices.
Exposure to ethylene oxide has been linked to cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia.
However, in the media release, SFA said “there is no immediate risk to consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, though long exposure may lead to health issues.”
Hence, exposure to this substance should be minimised as much as possible.
Consumers Who Have Purchased or Consumed the Implicated Products
The implicated Everest Fish Curry Masala (50g) product has a best before date of 09/2025 and its country of origin is India.
Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are advised not to consume it. Those who have already consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice.
Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries.
Recall of Honey Dates From China
On the same day, SFA issued yet another statement as the agency detected an undeclared allergen, sulphur dioxide, in Honey Dates from China.
The product, Honey Dates (500g), has a best before date of 02/03/2025 and originates from China.
Due to the presence of sulphur dioxide, which was not declared on the food packaging label, SFA has directed the importer, Yan Tai Yit Pte Ltd, to recall the implicated products. The recall is ongoing.
“Allergen in food could result in allergic reaction to individuals who are sensitive to it,” the statement reads.
“Presence of excessive levels of sulphur dioxide in food could result in allergenic reactions in individuals who are hypersensitive to sulphite, with symptoms such as hives, itchiness, stomachache, diarrhoea, and vomiting.”
Under food regulations here, food products containing ingredients that are known to cause hypersensitivity must be declared on food packaging labels to protect consumers with food allergies.
Sulphite does not pose a food safety issue to consumers at large, except for those that are intolerant of or allergic to sulphites. Consumers who have purchased the affected product, and who are intolerant of or allergic to sulphites, should not consume them.
Those who are intolerant of or allergic to sulphites and have consumed the implicated product should seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health.