The ministry noted recent media reports calling for the sale of Everest Fish Curry Masala and MDH Curry Powder to cease.

“All traders, including online ones, with these products in stock must discontinue selling them. E-commerce platforms and social media are also urged to cease advertising immediately,” it said in a statement.

Ethylene oxide is used to kill pests and control microbiological contamination in spices. It is carcinogenic and prohibited in food and food-contact materials.

According to the ministry, as of April 2024, the Everest Fish Curry Masala had been imported once, while there are no records of MDH Curry Powder being imported to Malaysia.

The health ministry said it was monitoring aflatoxin content, heavy metals, and pesticide residues in spice products at all entry points into the country.

“The results of our monitoring from 2019 to April 2024 indicate that 43 samples taken had complied with the legal requirements under the Food Act 1983 and the Food Regulations 1985,” it added.

On Thursday, the South China Morning Post reported that Indian authorities are investigating spice products containing a cancer-causing pesticide.

India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority is collecting spice samples nationwide for testing after ethylene oxide was found in products exported to Hong Kong.

The Singapore Food Agency recalled the Everest Fish Curry Masala in April after it was found to contain a chemical product that is a pesticide not authorised for use in food.

In response, Everest Fish Curry Masala had reportedly said that its spices are safe for consumption and are exported only after receiving board approval, while MDH Curry Powder did not comment on the matter.