2 Mie Sedaap instant noodle products recalled over presence of pesticide

A recall for two instant noodle products under Indonesian brand Mie Sedaap was issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Thursday (Oct 6) after the presence of pesticide were detected in both products.

SFA said that ethylene oxide, a pesticide used to fumigate agriculture products to prevent microbial and is not authorised for use in food, was found in Mie Sedaap’s Korean Spicy Soup and Korean Spicy Chicken instant noodles.

It has directed Sheng Sheng F&B Industries to recall all Mie Sedaap Korean Spicy Soup instant noodles with an expiry date of Mar 17, 2023 and Korean Spicy Chicken instant noodles with an expiry date of May 21, 2023. Both products originate from Indonesia.

The same substance was also found in Haagen-Dazs ice cream products in August, which were all subsequently recalled.

The presence of the pesticide in the instant noodles was first detected in a survey of food products following the detection of it in Haagen-Dazs ice cream products. SFA subsequently conducted regulatory testing of Mie Sedaap products and found presence of it in the two Korean instant noodle products.

SFA said it is continuing regulatory testing of other Mie Sedaap instant noodle products.

“We are also working with the importers and Indonesian authorities to investigate and rectify the cause of ethylene oxide contamination,” the agency said.

“Should ethylene oxide be detected beyond the stipulated maximum levels, SFA will initiate recalls of the affected products as a precautionary measure.”

While there is no immediate risk to consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, exposure to this substance should be minimised as long term exposure may lead to health issues.

Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are advised not to consume it, while those who have consumed them and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice, said SFA.