MDH Spices has denied allegations that its products contain traces of the cancer-causing agent ethylene oxide (ETO), calling them "untrue" and "lacking any substantiating evidence."
The company's statement came in response to reports that the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong had flagged the presence of ETO in samples of pre-packaged spice mix products from MDH and Everest Spices. ETO is a chemical used to preserve spices for longer periods and is also used in pesticides. Its consumption beyond permissible limits can be carcinogenic.
MDH denied receiving any communication from the regulatory authorities of Singapore or Hong Kong. The company also stated that it does not use ETO at any stage of storing, processing, or packing its spices. MDH abides by health and safety standards, both domestically and internationally.
Following the CFS notification, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on April 18, too, had issued a notification to recall the Everest fish curry masala after finding traces of ETO in it.
Following these reports, Indian food regulator FSSAI — on April 25 — had commissioned nationwide quality checks on MDH and Everest products.