Reports of a product ban in Singapore and Hong Kong are denied by Everest
Everest, an Indian spice company, reacted to an email from Good Returns (One India) over recent rumors that food authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong had banned their product. According to the allegations, several spice ingredients in the company’s product include ethylene oxide. The business has refuted the claims and said they are untrue.
“Recent reports suggesting a ban on Everest products in Singapore and Hong Kong are entirely false,” the company spokeswoman said in an email. We would want to make it clear that neither nation has imposed any bans. Instead, in response to a Hong Kong recall warning, Singapore’s food safety authorities asked our importer to temporarily detain and recall one product for further inspection—a routine process meant to protect the interests of consumers.”
“Everest, with over 50 years of expertise in the business, is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety and cleanliness across all of our production sites. Our many national and international certifications throughout the years attest to our commitment to the highest standards of food safety.” added the spokesman for Everest.
The conflict arose when the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued recommendations prohibiting the use of some products from Everest and another well-known Indian brand, MDH.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized ethylene oxide as a “Group 1 carcinogen.” It has been claimed that four items contain ethylene oxide: Fish Curry Masala from Everest, Sambhar Masala, Curry Powder from MDH, and Madras Curry Powder. The authorities ordered merchants to stop selling the impacted items and take them off the market because the ethylene oxide levels were higher than allowed.
“We want to reassure our clients that every single one of our goods is put through a thorough quality control process to make sure that our high standards are being followed. The Spice Board of India’s labs provide the required approvals and permission for all commodities before to export, further demonstrating our dedication to quality and safety,” the spokeswoman said.
It’s crucial to remember that only one of our vast array of sixty Everest products is impacted by this brief suspension. We would want to reassure our customers that the quality and safety of our whole product range is not compromised by this one isolated incidence. Our ongoing dedication to providing safe and great goods is evident,” the business said.
“We are appreciative of our clients’ ongoing faith in Everest. We can guarantee you that our items are of the best quality and safety, so you shouldn’t be concerned. Everest emphasized, “We remain committed to upholding the standards that have defined the Everest brand for over five decades and to transparency in our operations.”
In the meanwhile, the Indian government has moved proactively to deal with the problem in its entirety. Food commissioners from all throughout the nation have been called upon to gather samples for testing from each and every spice production facility. The purpose of this program is to guarantee adherence to safety regulations and provide customers peace of mind about the security of spice goods.
As the investigation progresses, Everest is unwavering in its commitment to transparency and cooperation with law authorities. The corporation emphasized that maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality is important to it, and that the wellbeing of its consumers comes first.
Everest’s reaction to the current incident around spices demonstrates its resolve to uphold honesty and responsibility in the face of difficulties. Everest hopes to maintain consumer confidence in its brand by confronting the accusations head-on and giving them the information they need to make an informed decision. It also hopes to keep delivering its devoted global customer base with high-quality, safe goods.
