Lucky Me Subject To Mandatory EU Recall

Lucky Me (PSE:Monde), one of the Philippines' favorite instant noodle products, is currently being recalled across several European Union (EU) markets due to high levels of Ethylene oxide, a pesticide that should not be present in Philippine food preparations.

Photo Insert: According to research, Ethylene oxide can harm our DNA or genetic material, and it is impossible to establish acceptable levels of exposure to the chemical.

The EU recall arose from findings that Ethylene oxide can harm the DNA or genetic material in humans that ingest them. In fact, researchers have discovered that it is impossible to establish acceptable levels of exposure to the chemical, hence the EU has banned its usage in food manufacturing.

The Environmental Health Directorate of Malta had cautioned the public that Lucky Me "products must not be consumed due to elevated amounts of Ethylene oxide (a pesticide)."

In Ireland, the Food Safety Authority ordered merchants to post point-of-sale recall notices promptly.

In France, the government issued a Rappel Conso, or mandatory recall, citing that several Lucky Me products had 'exceeded the permitted limits of pesticides.' It also instructed consumers to do the following: 1.) stop using the product; 2.) return the product to the point of sale; and 3.) destroy the product. While shops were encouraged to facilitate product reimbursements as soon as possible.

This is extremely similar to the case of Mi Goreng, which was recalled by Taiwanese, Australian, and New Zealand health officials in 2010 after finding banned quantities of the chemicals Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate (E218) and Benzoic acid, both of which are used in the manufacture of cosmetics.

Lucky Me is a product of Monde Nissin, a listed company on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic