MONDE Nissin on Thursday, July 7, said its popular instant noodle brand Lucky Me! is safe to consume despite health warnings and a recall order in some European countries.
“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,” the food manufacturing giant told the stock exchange in a disclosure.
These materials, when processed into seasoning and sauces, may still show traces of ethylene oxide, the firm said.
“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 said.
The company said it was aware of information on an ongoing recall in the European Union 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 said.
Food regulators in Ireland, Malta, and France issued separate health warnings against Lucky Me!, saying that it contains ethylene oxide, a chemical often used to disinfect products which may also cause health problems like cancer.
“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,” the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said.
Ireland also issued a recall order for a batch of Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton due to the presence of ethylene oxide.
Shares of Monde Nissin fell by over 7 percent on Thursday.