Days after the Hong Kong food regulating authority ordered recall of certain MDH masala powder products over presence of pesticides, the spice brand has dismissed the allegations and assured consumers that its products are 100 per cent safe.
MDH added that it has not received any communications from Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety (CFS) or the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). "These claims are untrue and lack any substantiating evidence," MDH said, denying the allegations.
Earlier this month, CFS found the presence of the pesticide, ethylene oxide, in samples of MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Mixed Masala Powder and Sambhar Masala as well as Everest's Fish Curry Masala. However, Singapore's SFA has taken action only against Everest's Fish Curry Masala and not against any of the MDH products.
MDH added that the Spice Board of India or the Indian food regulator, FSSAI, have also not received any communication or test reports from these foreign authorities.
"This reinforces the fact that the allegations against MDH are baseless, unsubstantiated, and not backed by any concrete evidence," the statement added.
"MDH reassures its buyers and customers about the safety and quality of all its products. We reassure our buyers and consumers that we do not use Ethylene Oxide (ETO) at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our spices," the company said.
The company also said it abides by health and safety standards, both domestically and internationally. "MDH tagline, 'Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH' and 'Real Spices of India' reflect our genuine commitment to providing authentic, high-quality spices to customers," the company said.