Ethylene oxide in spice preparations. The case of harmful substances in exotic curry mixes found in products Mdh and Everest expands after Hong Kong and Singapore blocked the two largest curry brands exported to Europe, the United States and North Africa. There’s a carcinogenic pesticide in the mix: ethylene oxide.
Carcinogenic spices from India: the ethylene oxide problem
Now India is inspecting the facilities of spice makers Mdh and Everest for compliance with quality standards. “Evidence in humans indicates that exposure to ethylene oxide increases the risk of lymphoid cancer and, for women, breast cancer,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wrote in 2018.
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This month, Hong Kong suspended sales of three MDH spice blends and one Everest spice blend for fish curry.
Singapore has ordered the recall of Everest spice blend, saying it contains high levels of ethylene oxide, which is unfit for human consumption and poses a cancer risk with prolonged exposure.
MDH and Everest spices are among the most popular in India and are sold in Europe, Asia and North America. Exports totaled $4 billion in 2022-23, according to the Spices Board, India’s industry regulator.
“Extensive inspections are also underway at exporters’ facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. … The Council is in contact with the Indian missions in Singapore and Hong Kong to obtain more information,” it said in a statement.
MDH and Everest did not immediately respond to questions about the Spices Board’s statement.
On Tuesday, Everest said its spices were safe for consumption and that its products were exported “only after receiving necessary clearances and approvals from the laboratories of the Spice Board of India.” MDH has not commented on the matter.
The Spices Board added that it is starting to compulsorily test for ethylene oxide in spice shipments to Singapore and Hong Kong, while shipments to other countries will also be strictly monitored for the presence of the contaminant.
Ethylene oxide, what is it
We read on the website of the US National Cancer Institute that it is a colorless flammable gas with a sweet odor. It is mainly used to produce other chemicals, including antifreeze. In smaller quantities, ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide and sterilizing agent. “The ability of ethylene oxide to damage DNA makes it an effective sterilizing agent but also explains its carcinogenic activity.”
Lymphoma and leukemia are the cancers most frequently reported to be associated with occupational exposure to ethylene oxide. Stomach and breast cancers may also be associated with ethylene oxide exposure.
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