Singapore Recalls Everest Fish Curry Masala ‘Unfit For Human Consumption’

New Delhi: Singapore Food Agency ordered the recall of Indian spice maker Everest’s fish curry masala. It was found to have more-than-permissible limits of a pesticide, according to a statement issued on April 18. Singapore imports the masala from India.

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 not fit for human consumption, MoneyControl reported.

“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.