Singapore Food Agency orders recall of Everest fish curry masala over excess pesticide content

The food agency said that the pesticide is not authorized for use in food

Singapore Food Agency ordered the recall of spice maker Everest’s fish curry masala, which is imported from India, after it was found to have more-than-permissible limits of a pesticide, according to a statement issued on April 18.

The statement said the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong has issued a notification for recall. It said the agency found the presence of pesticide ethylene oxide at a level which is not fit for human consumption.

“As the implicated products were imported into Singapore, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has directed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons to recall the products. The recall is ongoing,” the statement said.

The food agency said that the pesticide is not authorised for use in food. It further said that the chemical compound can be used to fumigate agricultural products “to prevent microbial contamination” and, under Singapore’s laws, it can be used for the sterilisation of spices.

SFA said the consumption of ethylene oxide can lead to health issues in the long term, but there is no immediate risk in the consumption of food contaminated with low levels of the pesticide.