European Countries Issues Warning on Filipino Instant Noodle Brand

Several European Countries issued warnings on Thursday, July 7 Philippine Standard Time against the consumption of multiple flavors of Monde Nissin’s popular Pancit Canton brand.

This comes as Malta, Ireland, and France warned their citizens about the health risks brought about by the consumption of the instant noodle brand due to the presence of the unauthorized pesticide ethylene oxide.

Ethylene oxide is prohibited for use in food in the European Union.

Malta’s Department of Information warned against several flavors of Pancit Canton including the Original, Hot Chili, Kalamansi, and Chilimansi flavors.

The department also warned against the consumption of Lucky Me!’s Beef noodles.

“In accordance with the Food Safety Act and Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the Environmental Health Directorate within the Superintendence of Public Health wishes to inform the public that the following information received through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed said products must not be consumed due to high levels of Ethylene oxide (a pesticide),” the Environmental Health Directorate Notice  from Malta’s Department of Information read.

Meanwhile, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland warned its citizens against the consumption of Lucky Me!’s Pancit Canton Original Flavour for the same reason.

However, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland noted that while consumption of the contaminated product does not pose an acute health risk, continued consumption of ethylene oxide may yield health issues.

“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,” the Food Alerts Listing of Food Safety Authority of Ireland HYPERLINK:  read.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland also ordered the recall of the product with the batch code “Best before date: 20/07/2022”.

France also recalled the Pancit Canton Hot Chili Flavor, citing “ethylene oxide content above the standard” as the reason.

Lucky Me! released a statement saying that they are aware of the situation and clarified that ethylene oxide is not added in Lucky Me! products.

“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 brands and multiple categories such as ice cream, sesame seed, spices, calcium carbonate supplements, among others.

We would like to clarify that Ethylene Oxide is not added in Lucky Me! products. It 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 Ethylene 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,” Lucky Me!’s statement read. (GFB)