New Delhi. Food safety regulators of Hong Kong and Singapore allege that pesticide ethylene oxide has been found in excess of the prescribed limit in four products of India’s two biggest vegetable spice brands MDH and Everest, which can cause cancer. Hong Kong and Singapore have banned the sale of these spices in their countries. Regarding this, India’s Commerce Ministry has now sought a report from Hong Kong and Singapore regarding the reasons for the ban. A shocking claim has been made by America’s National Cancer Institute and the International Agency for Research on Cancer regarding ethylene oxide.
According to the National Cancer Institute of America, prolonged consumption of ethylene oxide can cause cancer risk. Ethylene oxide also affects DNA, brain and cells in humans. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, ethylene oxide is a group one carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer in humans. Ethylene oxide enters the human body through inhalation and ingestion. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to ethylene oxide increases the risk of lymphoid cancer and breast cancer in women.
According to the American agency, initially its symptoms are not visible in the body, but after some time, a burning sensation starts in the eyes. The skin, nose, throat and lungs may be harmed. Not only this, ethylene oxide can also cause damage to the brain and nervous system. It is noteworthy that in three of MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala and Curry Powder and Everest’s Fish Curry Masala, pesticide ethylene oxide found in excess of the prescribed limit has been claimed by Hong Kong and Singapore. After this allegation, there is a stir not only in India but in other countries where these spices are exported.