The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has directed Sheng Sheng F&B Industries Pte Ltd to recall Mie Sedaap Korean Spicy Soup instant noodles and Korean Spicy Chicken instant noodles due to the presence of ethylene oxide. The recall is ongoing.
Following the detection of ethylene oxide in Haagen-Dazs ice cream products in August, SFA surveyed other food products, including instant noodles, for the presence of ethylene oxide. It was detected only in Mie Sedaap instant noodles. SFA thus conducted regulatory testing to take enforcement action.
So far, presence of ethylene oxide has been confirmed in Mie Sedaap Korean Spicy Soup instant noodles and Korean Spicy Chicken instant noodles. SFA has thus directed Sheng Sheng F&B Industries Pte Ltd to recall these two Mie Sedaap products.
SFA is continuing regulatory testing of other Mie Sedaap instant noodle products. SFA is also working with the importers and Indonesian authorities to investigate and rectify the cause of ethylene oxide contamination. Should ethylene oxide be detected beyond the stipulated maximum levels, SFA will initiate recalls of the affected products as a precautionary measure.
What is Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorised for use in food. It can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination. Under the Singapore Food Regulations, ethylene oxide is allowed to be used in the sterilization of spices.
The Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of ethylene oxide in spices should not exceed 50mg/kg (50ppm).