By Alec Go
Several European countries issued advisories against the consumption of select Filipino instant noodle products due to the alleged presence of unauthorized pesticide, ethylene oxide.
The notice, which was shared by Malta’s Department of Information, covered several noodle products.
“The Environmental Health Directorate within the Superintendence of Public Health wishes to inform the public that following information received through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed said products must not be consumed due to high levels of Ethylene oxide (a pesticide),” it stated.
The same products were also included in a product recall in France.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland said it has also recalled a certain batch of the original variant of noodle products from Thailand for allegedly containing such pesticide, something not permitted for use on food products in Europe.
“Although the consumption of the contaminated product does not pose an acute risk to health, there may be health issues if there is continued consumption of ethylene oxide over a long period of time,” it stated. “Therefore, exposure to this substance needs to be minimized. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.”
The instant noodle products are also available to consumers in the Philippines.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, said in a response to reporters Thursday, July 7, that no products are being recalled in the country pending verification of the report.
“We are still verifying the report and getting details. The incident was from Europe, our FDA [Food and Drug Administration] now is verifying the report so we can issue further information to the public,” she said.
‘Not added’ in products
In a press statement on July 7, Monde Nissin acknowledged the reports on the recall of its Lucky Me! products due to ethylene oxide presence, but clarified that ‘ethylene oxide is not added in Lucky Me! products.”
“It is a commonly used treatment in spices and seeds to control microbial growth typical in agricultural products. These products, when processed into seasoning and sauces, may still show traces of ethylene oxide,” it said.
The company assured consumers are registered before the Philippine FDA and are compliant with local and United States food safety standards for the said chemical.
The FDA has yet to issue a statement on the matter. – bny
