Heaptalk, Jakarta — Singapore Food Agency (SFA) ordered to recall of two products of Mie Sedaap, namely Korean Spicy Soup instant noodles with an expiry date of Mar 17, 2023, and Korean Spicy Chicken instant noodles that expired on May 21, 2023(06/10).
According to the SFA’s official release, the measure is performed following the finding of a pesticide, named ethylene oxide, in the product. The pesticide, previously, was also indicated in Haagen-Dazs ice cream products and forced the Company to recall its product in August 2022.
Two days after this shocking announcement, SFA added two other Mie Sedaap’s products into the recall list, namely Soto flavor instant noodles with an expiry date of December 11, 2022, and Curry flavor instant noodles that expired on February 22, 2023 (08/10). SFA continues the regulatory testing of other Mie Sedaap instant noodle products and also works with the importers, Sheng Sheng F&B Industries, and Arklife Distributors, as well as Indonesian authorities to investigate and rectify the cause of ethylene oxide contamination.
Previously, Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) also reported that Korean Spicy Chicken flavor fried noodle by Mie Sedaap contains ethylene oxide at levels that do not comply with the authority standard (27/09). The pesticide residues were found in dried noodles, chili powder, and seasonings from instant noodle products.
Based on the investigation of the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), the products drawn in Hong Kong are different from the products circulating in Indonesia. BPOM stated that the products circulating in Indonesia have met the existing requirements (29/09).
In response to the product recall in Hong Kong, as cited by Katadata, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR Wings Group Sheila Kansil said that Mie Sedaap is produced by complying with regulations from the relevant agencies to meet applicable food safety standards.
“Mie Sedaap ensures that ethylene oxide is not used in production and the product has pocketed the BPOM requirements. Hence, it is safe for consumption,” said Sheila in a written statement (28/09). She delivered that Mie Sedaap had obtained a BPOM permit and halal certification from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). The brand also received ISO 22000 certification on International Standards for Food Safety Management and ISO 9001 Certification on International Standards for Quality Management Systems.
Further, Sheila conveyed that the instant noodle products have also been purchased by consumers in more than 30 countries over the last dozen years and have met mandatory export standards, including content, packaging, and product labeling.
Ethylene oxide in Mie Sedaap
Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorized for use in food. The compound is commonly utilized 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 with the maximum residue limit (MRL) should not exceed 50 mg/kg or 50 ppm.
According to BPOM, the finding of residues of ethylene oxide and its derivatives (2-Chloro Ethanol/2-CE) in food is an emerging issue that began with a notification by the European Union Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (EURASFF) in 2020.
Even though the consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide does not result in immediate risk, SFA conveyed that long-term exposure may lead to health issues. Therefore, exposure to the substance should be minimized. SFA advises consumers who have purchased the implicated products of Mie Sedaap not to consume them.
