Indomie Noodles have been banned in two countries for containing cancer-causing Ethylene Oxide.
According to Glamtush, Indofood, the manufacturer of popular Indomie instant noodles, has come under fire after its products were banned in Taiwan and Malaysia due to increased cancer risk levels.
According to this online newspaper, health officials in both countries discovered ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing chemical, in the “special chicken” flavour noodles.
“The detection of ethylene oxide in the product did not comply with [standards],” according to the Department of Health in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital.
Taufik Wiraatmadja, an Indofood board member, defended the noodles’ safety, stating that all of its products are processed in accordance with international food safety regulations and have received standard certifications.
“All instant noodles produced by ICBP in Indonesia are processed in accordance with the Codex Standard for Instant Noodles and standards set by the Indonesian National Agency for Drug and Food Control (‘BPOM RI,'” Wiraatmadja said in a statement.
“Our instant noodles have received Indonesian National Standard Certification (SNI) and are manufactured in certified facilities that adhere to international standards.”
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The Malaysian Ministry of Health, on the other hand, revealed that it had examined 36 samples of instant noodles from various brands since 2022, with 11 samples containing ethylene oxide.
As a result, it has taken disciplinary action and recalled the affected products. It’s unclear whether other brands were involved.
Consumers who rely on instant noodles as a quick and convenient meal option are concerned about the ban.
As Indofood deals with the fallout from the ban, health officials continue to emphasise the importance of food safety regulations in protecting consumers.
Taufik Wiraatmadja, an Indofood board member, defended the noodles’ safety, stating that all of its products are processed in accordance with international food safety regulations and have received standard certifications.
“All instant noodles produced by ICBP in Indonesia are processed in accordance with the Codex Standard for Instant Noodles and standards set by the Indonesian National Agency for Drug and Food Control (‘BPOM RI,'” Wiraatmadja said in a statement.
