Controversy due to which chemical in MDH-Everest spices? Know how it increases the risk of cancer….

MDH-Everest Masala Banned: MDH and Everest were recently banned in Hong Kong and Singapore after warnings were issued about some of their spices. These spices were banned due to high levels of the pesticide ethylene oxide.

Sampling of spices of all brands has started across the country.

Following the ban, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has started sampling all brands of spices, including MDH Everest, across the country in view of the crackdown by Indian companies on spices in Singapore and Hong Kong.

What is the whole matter?

Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety (CFS) found high levels of ethylene oxide in some spices from MDH and Everest during routine testing.

Hong Kong has also banned the sale of food products containing pesticides above certain limits. It can be sold in Hong Kong only if it is not dangerous to humans and their health. According to CFS, ethylene oxide is a type of pesticide that increases the risk of cancer in humans.

After Hong Kong, Singapore's Food Agency (SFA) has also banned a spice from Everest and returned the order. SFA also claims that the amount of ethylene oxide in the spice is much more than the prescribed quantity. Long-term consumption of which can increase the risk of cancer.

What is ethylene oxide?

Ethylene oxide is a tasteless and odorless chemical used in agriculture, health care, and as a pesticide to disinfect food. However, its increased quantity can cause serious diseases like cancer in the long run.

According to the National Cancer Institute, it is also used to make chemicals such as ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) in textiles, detergents, medications, adhesives and solvents. It is also used to clean surgical instruments in hospitals.

How dangerous is this?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ethylene oxide as a 'Group-1 carcinogen', meaning it can cause cancer in humans.

Coming in contact with this chemical or consuming it in large quantities can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. The brain and nervous system may also be damaged.

The US Environmental Protection Agency says this chemical may increase the risk of lymphoid cancer and breast cancer in women.

However, this chemical is used in spices and many other foods because it is not dangerous in small or occasional consumption.