Lucky Me! follows PH food safety standards, but FDA to look into it further

MANILA, Philippines — While it earlier found that the local Lucky Me! manufacturer is “compliant” with the country’s food safety standards, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it is still waiting for more information about the level of residual ethylene oxide present in the brand’s products before it takes further action.

In a statement issued Monday, FDA said it has conducted a series of meetings to discuss earlier claims from several European countries about the presence of ethylene oxide — a carcinogenic antimicrobial pesticide — on the popular noodle brand’s products.

READ: Lucky Me! in hot water

It then confirmed that Monde Nissin Corporation, the maker of the products in question, was found “compliant with food safety based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points [and the] Good Manufacturing Practice requirements based on latest inspections” done in March and July 2022.

According to the FDA, the European Union has “adopted a zero-tolerance for ethylene oxide” in accordance with its belief that no level of exposure to the substance is safe for consumers.

But other countries like the United States, Canada, and Singapore have assigned a certain tolerance level for the substance. At the same time, the Philippines permits ethylene oxide gas for gas sterilization of certain agricultural products, the FDA also noted.

It committed, however, to continue investigating the matter in coordination with Monde Nissin Corporation.

“To further assure food safety, the local manufacturer is in the process of verifying the level of residual ethylene oxide in the packets of seasoning. The FDA food inspectorate has already conducted spot-checking inspections and collected samples for laboratory analysis,” FDA said.

It further noted, “The FDA shall wait for all information, including laboratory results, before taking further action. In the meantime, the FDA will continue to coordinate with the manufacturer and to monitor the situation.”

Lucky Me! products first came under fire when it was recalled from store shelves in Ireland, France, and Malta after reporting these contained “high levels of ethylene oxide.”

Monde Nissin Corporation later admitted that traces of ethylene oxide may still be detected in the ingredients when processed into seasonings and sauces, but it assured that all Lucky Me! products adhere to both local and US FDA food safety standards.

READ: Lucky Me! denies adding chemical in instant noodles