Beware, this ingredient in your fish curry spice may cause cancer!

Who knew that a spice, a household favourite, a mainstay of the Indian kitchen would turn out to be poisonous? Singapore authorities have ordered a recall for Everest’s popular Fish Curry Masala, claiming that the spice mix had an excessive amount of ethylene oxide, a hazardous chemical.

In a public statement, the Singapore Food Agency revealed that ethylene oxide was not a chemical that was meant to be used in food and it was only utilised to sterilise food items. While there’s little risk of the consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, long-term exposure can put people at risk of cancer.

"Consumers who have purchased the affected products are strongly advised against consumption. Furthermore, individuals who have consumed the implicated products and harbor health concerns are urged to seek medical guidance," the advisory stated.

What Is Ethylene Oxide?

The National Cancer Institute defines ethylene oxide as a “flammable, colorless gas with a sweet odor.”

Ethylene oxide is primarily used as a pesticide as well as a sterilising agent. Since it can wreak havoc on our DNA, it is classified as a carcinogen i.e. cancer-causing chemical. People are exposed to this chemical via inhalation and ingestion. People who live near industrial plants may be exposed to the emissions. You may also be exposed to this chemical via tobacco smoke or daily usage of products that have been sterilised such as cosmetics, medical products, etc.

Which Cancers Are Associated With Ethylene Oxide?

Leukemia and lymphoma are the two cancers most commonly associated with this carcinogen. It can also cause other cancers such as the brain, lung, uterus, etc.


What Are The Symptoms Of Poisoning?

Acute poisoning may involve symptoms such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and numbness. In some extreme cases, it can also cause memory loss.