The maker of Lucky Me! Monde Nissin Corporation complies with food safety regulations according to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) most recent inspections.
The FDA stated in a statement that during inspections carried out in March and July, Monde Nissin complied with HACCP and good production practice regulations.
“The FDA already convened series of meetings to evaluate the EU report and its implications,” the statement read. “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 claim refers to a report by the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission that found ethylene oxide, an “unauthorized substance,” in the Lucky Me! goods.
Most frequently, ethylene oxide is utilized in synthesizing other chemicals, such as medicines, antifreeze, detergents, adhesives, and polyurethane foam.
A few of the products have been recalled in at least three nations—Malta, Ireland, and France.
“Although the consumption of the contaminated product does not pose an acute risk to health, there may be health issues if there is continued consumption of ethylene oxide over a long period of time.
FDA says Lucky Me! maker compliant amid recalls abroad
Therefore, exposure to this substance needs to be minimised,” the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said in its advisory, which identified Thailand as the country of origin for Lucky Me! products.
Last week, Monde Nissin made it clear that the ingredient was only used to treat specific raw materials and did not add ethylene oxide to its products. However, according to the statement, the materials may still include ethylene oxide residues when made into seasonings and sauces.
The FDA stated that it has previously carried out spot checks and gathered samples for laboratory examination and is now awaiting final information before proceeding.
“In the meantime, the FDA will continue to coordinate with the manufacturer and to monitor the situation,” it said.
Worldwide exports of goods from factories in the Philippines and Thailand include the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Europe, North America, and Australia.
Shares of Monde Nissin reached a closing price of P13.38 on Monday, up 34 centavos or 2.61 percent from the P13.04 price last Friday.
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