European countries warn against Lucky Me! Pancit Canton due to "high levels" of Ethylene Oxide (pesticide)

According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Ethylene Oxide, used for pesticides, is not authorized for use in foods sold in the European Union (EU) countries.

“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 said. “Therefore, exposure to this substance needs to be minimized. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.”

On the other hand, the Republic of Malta warned its citizens not to consume the following products:

• Instant noodles Pancit Canton ORIGINAL Flavor

• Instant noodles Pancit Canton HOT CHILI Flavor

• Instant noodle soup BEEF Flavor

• Instant noodles Pancit Canton KALAMANSI Flavor

• Instant noodles Pancit Canton CHILIMANSI Flavor

The country’s Department of Information of Malta in a statement said: “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 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 governments have ordered a recall of the instant noodles in question, which were made in Thailand and has a best before date of July 20, 2022.

Update:

In a statement on Thursday, July 7, Lucky Me! said it is "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."

Lucky Me! added that the recall affected its noodle brands and multiple categories such as ice cream, sesame seed, spices, calcium carbonate supplements, among others.

But the brand clarified that "Ethylene Oxide is not added" in its 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," the statement read.

"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."