Muscat: The Food Safety and Quality Center (FSQC) said that the varieties of instant noodles (Indomie chicken flavor and Ah Lai curry flavor), which have been recalled in some countries due to the percentage of ethylene oxide above the permissible limits, are not imported to Oman and added that similar products are subject to conformity procedures according to approved standard specifications, during inspections and control at border crossings.
FSQC was clarifying reports circulated on social media about the recall and withdrawal of some countries of instant noodle products with curry flavors.
The center directed the specialists in the outlets to reserve similar products and to examine them in a laboratory to ensure that they conform to the approved specifications before they reach the market.
Ethylene oxide is a toxic, colorless, odorless gas used to sterilize medical equipment and spices. It can play a role in contracting cancer. It is not allowed to be used on surfaces that come in contact with food. International technical regulations specify the permissible percentages of it, such as residues in food.
The parent company that makes the popular Indomie instant noodles issued a statement Friday defending the safety of their product after reports of trace carcinogens.
“We would like to emphasize that in accordance with the statement released by BPOM RI, our Indomie instant noodles are safe for consumption”, said Taufik Wiraatmadja, Director of Indofood (ICBP) in the statement.
“All instant noodles produced by ICBP in Indonesia are processed in compliance with the food safety standards from the Codex Standard for Instant Noodles and standards set by the Indonesian National Agency for Drug and Food Control (“BPOM RI”). Our instant noodles have received Indonesian National Standard Certification (SNI), and are produced in certified production facilities based on international standards,” the statement said.
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