Monde Nissin insists its products are safe
With health warnings and recalls issued against Lucky Me! products overseas, manufacturer Monde Nissin Corporation said its products comply with local and US food safety standards.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the firm said “We are aware of information being shared about certain Lucky Me! products in an ongoing recall in the EU and Taiwan due to the presence of Ethylene Oxide.”
“The recall affects other companies’ noodle brand and multiple categories such as ice cream, sesame seed, spices, calcium carbonate supplements, among others,” it noted.
Monde Nissin said that, “We would like to clarify that Ethylene Oxide is not added in Lucky Me! products.” The firm explained that ethylene oxide is a commonly used treatment in spices and seeds to control microbial growth typical in agricultural products.
“These materials, when processed into seasoning and sauces, may still show traces of Ehtylene Oxide. Rest assured that all Lucky Me! products are Philippine FDA registered and comply with local food safety standards and even the US FDA standards for Ethylene Oxide,” Monde Nissin said.
The Irish Mirror reported that a batch of Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton made in Thailand has been recalled by the Food Safety Authority (FSA) of Ireland due to the presence of unauthorized pesticide Ethylene Oxide.
The FSA said “This pesticide is not authorized for use in foods sold in the EU. 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 noted that, “Therefore, exposure to this substance needs to be minimised. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.”
The Times Malta also reported that, “The Environmental Health Department has urged people not to consume Lucky Me! Instant noodles Pancit Canton including chili, beef, Kalamansi, and Chililmansi flavors because of the presence of Ethylene oxide, used in pesticides.”