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Everest assures safety of fish curry spice blend amid cancer concerns

The reassurance comes in the wake of alerts issued by Singapore and Hong Kong regarding potentially elevated levels of a cancer-causing pesticide found in certain spice blends.

• By PharmaNews Live Desk
• New Delhi
• Apr 24, 2024

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Amid growing concerns over the safety of food products, Everest, a prominent food brand deeply ingrained in Indian households, has stepped forward to reassure consumers about the safety of its fish curry spice blend. 

The reassurance comes in the wake of alerts issued by Singapore and Hong Kong regarding potentially elevated levels of a cancer-causing pesticide found in certain spice blends. 

Everest Food Products, the manufacturer behind the iconic brand, stated on Tuesday that its spices are safe for consumption, emphasizing the rigorous testing and approval processes mandated by Indian regulatory authorities. 

Earlier this month, Singapore issued an advisory urging consumers to refrain from using Everest’s fish curry spice mix following suspicions of high levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide linked to cancer. 

Similarly, Hong Kong suspended the sale of Everest’s fish curry spice mix, along with three other products from the popular Indian brand MDH, over similar concerns. 

Both authorities cited alleged high levels of ethylene oxide in the implicated products, prompting caution among consumers. 

In response to the allegations, Everest reiterated the safety of its products, highlighting that only one out of its extensive range of 60 products had undergone examination, with results affirming its safety for use. 

Rajiv Shah, the director at Everest Food Products, emphasized that exports undergo stringent clearance procedures, including approval from the laboratories of the Spice Board of India, before being shipped overseas. 

Despite these assurances, MDH, another household name in Indian kitchens, has yet to address the allegations, raising further questions about product safety and regulatory oversight.

India’s spice exports regulator, the Spices Board of India, has intervened, requesting Everest and MDH to furnish details of their quality checks in response to the controversy. 

Additionally, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed all states to conduct random testing of powdered spices to ensure compliance with safety standards. 

A comprehensive report on the matter is expected within the next 25 days, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing concerns regarding food safety and quality assurance. 

Both Everest and MDH are not only staples in Indian households but also significant players in the global spice market, exporting their products to regions including the US, Europe, the Middle East, and the UK. 

The recent controversy serves as a reminder of the critical role of stringent quality control measures in the food industry, particularly concerning products that have a widespread impact on public health and well-being.