[UPDATED] MoH finds carcinogen in another instant noodle brand, Mi Sedaap

KUALA LUMPUR – Another brand of instant noodles, Mi Sedaap from Indonesia, has been found to contain ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic compound, the Health Ministry (MoH) said.

This was detected from tests done on 11 samples of Mi Sedaap from 36 products since last year to date, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said.

“It was found that 11 samples of Mi Sedaap products contain ethylene oxide and enforcement action will be taken. This includes compounds, court action and also product recall,” he said in a statement.

Radzi added that ethylene oxide, which is linked to lymphoma and leukaemia, is a chemical gas used in fumigation and in detergents.

“It is not to be used on surfaces that come into contact with food,” he said. 

“Consumers are advised not to consume the products affected.” 

Radzi today also announced MoH’s move to order a recall of locally-made Ah Lai White Curry Noodles expiring on August 25, as well as Indomie Special Chicken Flavour from the local markets. 

These two products were flagged by the Taipei Health Department which found them to contain ethylene oxide during the city’s 2023 inspection of instant noodles.

As for Mi Sedaap, this is not the first time it has encountered controversy. Last year, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) ordered a recall of two Mi Sedaap instant noodles flavours – Korean Spicy Chicken and Korean Spicy Soup – due to the presence of ethylene oxide. 

In October last year, Malaysia’s Health Ministry said there was no import record of these two products, expiring on March 17 and May 21 this year, into the country. – The Vibes, April 26, 2023