FILE PHOTO: Facade of the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration. INQUIRER/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — The country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now coordinating with the company manufacturing a popular Filipino instant noodles to check its compliance with safety standards.
This developed after regulators in some European states said they found “high levels of ethylene oxide” in this particular instant noodle brand.
According to the FDA, they have started its probe following receipt of reports that the governments of Ireland, France, and Malta have issued safety warnings against Lucky Me!
READ: EU states warn consumers vs. popular Filipino instant noodles brand
“The FDA is currently investigating this matter and coordinating with the aforementioned food business operator to check its compliance. We shall provide updates on the result of the investigation for public information,” the local regulator said in a statement on Thursday.
The FDA explained that ethylene oxide is a processing aid used to disinfect herbs and spices.
READ: FDA probes popular Filipino noodle brand for ‘high level of ethylene oxide’
But it noted that the use of ethylene oxide for sterilizing purposes in food, however, is not allowed in the European Union (EU).
“However, there can still be traces from the ingredients or raw materials hence the EU set a maximum residue level at a very low level based on the type of commodity,” the FDA said.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire had said the chemicals could cause headache, vomiting, loose bowel movement, and in extreme cases, breathing difficulty and fatigue.
READ: Lucky Me! in hot water
Lucky Me! manufacturers clarified in an earlier statement that ethylene oxide is not added to their products, and that it is compliant with local food safety standards.
But they noted that the chemical “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,” the company said.
“Rest assured that all Lucky Me! Products are Philippine FDA registered and comply with local food safety standards and even the US FDA standards for Ethylene Oxide,” it added.