Everest Says Spice Mixes Are ‘safe For Consumption' After Regulator Order In Singapore, Ban In Hong Kong

In response to recent regulatory actions and concerns raised by Singaporean and Hong Kong authorities, Everest Food Products, a renowned manufacturer of spice mixes, reassured consumers of the safety of its products. The company’s statement comes amidst directives for product recalls and bans due to alleged cancer risk concerns associated with elevated levels of ethylene oxide found in certain spice blends.

Regulatory Oversight and Quality Assurance:

Everest Food Products’ assertion of product safety follows directives from Singaporean authorities to recall a specific product for inspection, coupled with Hong Kong’s ban on the sale of the product over cancer risk concerns. Additionally, Indian food authorities have initiated quality checks on Everest products, emphasizing the importance of regulatory oversight and stringent quality assurance measures in the food industry.

Company Reassurance and Compliance:

Rajiv Shah, director of Everest Food Products, emphasized that the company’s exports undergo rigorous clearance procedures, including approval from the laboratories of the Spice Board of India. Shah clarified that out of the 60 Everest products, only one was held for examination in Singapore, reinforcing the company’s commitment to compliance and adherence to safety standards.

Concerns Over Cancer-Causing Pesticide:

The regulatory scrutiny was prompted by concerns regarding Everest’s fish curry masala, which allegedly contained elevated levels of a cancer-causing pesticide, ethylene oxide. Singapore’s food agency issued a warning advising consumers against consuming the implicated product, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the imperative of safeguarding consumer health.

Industry-wide Implications:

The suspension of sales and quality checks extended beyond Everest Food Products to include another prominent company, MDH, in Hong Kong. Both companies faced allegations of high levels of ethylene oxide in their spice blends, highlighting broader concerns within the spice industry regarding food safety and regulatory compliance.

Consumer Confidence and Global Reach:

Despite the regulatory challenges, Everest and MDH spices have long been trusted staples in home and restaurant kitchens across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Everest’s spice mixes are exported to various regions worldwide, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, underscoring the company’s global reach and significance in the culinary landscape.

In conclusion, Everest Food Products’ reassurance of product safety amidst regulatory scrutiny underscores the company’s commitment to consumer welfare and adherence to quality standards. As the spice industry navigates challenges related to food safety and regulatory compliance, stakeholders emphasize the importance of transparent communication, rigorous quality assurance measures, and collaborative efforts to ensure the integrity of the food supply chain and safeguard consumer health.