“Lucky Me!” Instant Noodles Recall From Some European Countries

 

The Philippines famous instant noodle “Lucky Me!” was recently recall from some European countries and received health warning due to the presences of the chemical ethylene oxide some European countries found in it. These countries include Ireland, Malta, and France.

“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……. Malta warned its citizens not to consume Lucky Me! and its flavored variants.”(Rappler)

“Meanwhile, the Department of Information of Malta, in an advisory, also warned against the consumption of other pancit canton flavors such as hot chili, kalamansi, chilimansi, and instant noodle soup beef flavor.”(GMA Network)

Aside from European countries “Lucky Me!” was also recalled from Taiwan with the same reason.

Monde Nissin Philippines or “Lucky Me!” maker clarify recently that their products do not have ethylene oxide and are safe to eat and follow compliance in terms of safety with the local Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and with US FDA. The Philippines FDA say they will do an investigation regarding the issue.

 

““We would like to clarify that ethylene oxide is not added in Lucky Me! products,” its statement read. “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 (Food and Drug Administration) registered and comply with local food safety standards and even the US FDA standards for ethylene oxide,” it also wrote.”(CNN Philippines)

Ethylene oxide is a chemical use as pesticide and sterilizing agent. Exposure to it may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, exhaustion, and others.