Two instant noodles from Southeast Asia found to contain ethylene oxide, announced on 24 Apr 2023
Instant noodles are many folks’ comfort food, being quick to prepare and addicting to eat. However, caution is required, considering that 2 instant noodle brands from Southeast Asia— Ah Lai White Curry Noodles and Indomie: Special Chicken Flavour — are said to contain ethylene oxide, which is cancer-inducing. This was announced on 24 Apr 2023 by Taipei’s Department of Health.
Ah Lai White Curry Noodles is a brand originating from Malaysia, while Indomie: Special Chicken Flavour originated from Indonesia. Panic may be among the masses, considering how both are prominent favourites in Singapore.
Both products are said to contain ethylene oxide, a chemical compound that is linked to increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma. The chemical is said to be associated to breast and stomach cancer as well, according to the USA National Cancer Institute.
This discovery was announced on 24 Apr 2023 by Taipei’s Department of Health, who had released this news in their 2023 inspection of the available instant noodles in Taipei.
Testing showed that ethylene oxide was found in both the flavour packet and noodles from Ah Lai White Curry Noodles, but was only found in Indomie’s flavour packet.
This may form the question: Does Singapore Food Agency (SFA) prohibit ethylene oxide? “Under Singapore’s Food Regulations, EO (ethylene oxide) is allowed in the sterilization of spices. The Maximum Residue Limit of EO in spices should not exceed 50mg/kg (50ppm)”, announced SFA in Aug 2022.
Evidence showed that in Ah Lai White Curry Noodles, a total of 0.149mg/kg of ethylene oxide was found whilst Indomie: Special Chicken Flavour contained 0.187mg/kg of the compound in its seasoning.
The unspecified retailer from which the samples were collected from have been asked to take the 2 products off its shelves in Taiwan. Meanwhile, we’re keen to see whether SFA will release its own statement on this matter.
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