Amid growing concerns over the presence of harmful chemicals in certain Indian spice brands, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has commenced sampling for testing, targeting two prominent brands, Everest and MDH. The decision follows reports of ethylene oxide contamination detected in some products, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to safeguard public health.
An MFDA official informed local media outlets that samples of Everest and MDH spices, along with other types of spices, will undergo rigorous testing to assess the extent of chemical contamination. However, the destination for these samples for testing has not yet been finalized.
The ban on Everest and MDH honey brands in the Maldives stems from findings by the Food Agency of Singapore and the Center for Food Safety in Hong Kong, which detected ethylene oxide, a chemical commonly used in fumigating agricultural products. The MFDA underscored the adverse health effects associated with ethylene oxide exposure, emphasizing the importance of avoiding its presence in food products.
In response to the contamination concerns, the MFDA has prohibited the use, sale, and import of Everest and MDH spice brands within the Maldives. Given the widespread use of MDH and Everest masala in the country, the MFDA has issued a precautionary advisory urging consumers and retailers to refrain from transactions involving these spice brands until further clarity on their safety is established.
An MFDA official informed local media outlets that samples of Everest and MDH spices, along with other types of spices, will undergo rigorous testing to assess the extent of chemical contamination. However, the destination for these samples for testing has not yet been finalized.
The ban on Everest and MDH honey brands in the Maldives stems from findings by the Food Agency of Singapore and the Center for Food Safety in Hong Kong, which detected ethylene oxide, a chemical commonly used in fumigating agricultural products. The MFDA underscored the adverse health effects associated with ethylene oxide exposure, emphasizing the importance of avoiding its presence in food products.
In response to the contamination concerns, the MFDA has prohibited the use, sale, and import of Everest and MDH spice brands within the Maldives. Given the widespread use of MDH and Everest masala in the country, the MFDA has issued a precautionary advisory urging consumers and retailers to refrain from transactions involving these spice brands until further clarity on their safety is established.
