Bad news for all instant noodle fans.
Hazardous substances were found in numerous products in samples - they should not be dealt with lightly.
Stuttgart - Experts from the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office Stuttgart (CVUA) found residues of the carcinogenic gas ethylene oxide in numerous instant noodle products.
In 11 of the 25 samples examined, the toxin was detectable, as the Ministry for Rural Areas and Consumer Protection announced in Stuttgart on Tuesday.
It is assumed that the fumigation of individual additives or components of the products is not permitted under EU regulations.
Products from Vietnam delivered noticeably high values, but products from Korea and China also showed residues.
First recalls started: warning of instant noodle products
In contrast, tests on samples from Thailand, Indonesia and the EU largely showed no abnormalities.
However, the ministry added that the results were not representative due to the currently low number of samples.
Nevertheless, the responsible food companies have been informed and are now called upon to take all necessary steps to remove the offending batches from the market or to recall them.
A ministry spokesman confirmed that the first companies have already been called back.
Aside from warnings from the Ministry of Rural Areas and Consumer Protection, regular consumption of instant noodles is also not recommended due to other health risks.
Toxic ingredients already found in other products
Most recently, warnings were issued against other products due to residues of ethylene oxide.
The toxin is a gaseous disinfectant.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment estimates the consumption of ethylene oxide as harmful and informs: “Ethylene oxide is mutagenic and carcinogenic.
There is therefore no guide value without a health risk, and residues of the substance in food are generally undesirable ”.
On the website
lebensmittelwarnung.de
reports the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety
consumers, before which products already warned.
Just recently, another instant noodle product was recalled due to highly toxic residues.
(klb / dpa)
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