German authorities allegedly ban 12 Shan Food products

Company deems reports ‘misleading’, says products not banned in any country

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s global food brand, Shan Foods, faces controversy as German authorities allegedly ban 12 products

A wave of unease has swept through Pakistani consumers of packaged spices and ready-made recipes as news of German authorities banning select products from a leading food brand emerged on social media. The products in question, including popular items like Shaan Chicken Jalfrezi and Shaan Tandoori Masala, are reportedly at the centre of the ban due to concerns about the presence of Ethylene Oxide, a chemical with potential health risks.

The social media uproar began when Khurram Shehzad (@khurramsk) tweeted about the German ban, attaching a list of the 12 allegedly prohibited Shan Foods products. He claimed that Ethylene Oxide, a chemical used for disinfection, was found in these items, posing potential health hazards such as genetic alterations and cancer.

He further claimed that the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) in Belgium has also withdrawn products by Shan Foods.

In response to the growing concern, Ideal Foods Traders GmbH, a German wholesaler of Asian foods, stated on its Facebook account that only specific batches of the 12 Shan Foods products had been recalled from the market. However, when contacted, the Shan Foods’ spokesperson remained tight-lipped on the matter, refraining from confirming or denying the presence of Ethylene Oxide in their products and its potential side effects.

When questioned by The Express Tribune about the safety of their products in the Pakistani market and the possibility of a recall, Shan Foods’ spokesperson failed to provide a direct response.

Shan Foods, a well-established global household brand with a 45-year legacy spanning 70 countries, addressed the issue via a tweet on its official Twitter account. The company assured its customers that their beloved products were safe for consumption and met the highest international health and safety standards. They emphasised their commitment to consumer well-being and stressed that no Shan Foods product had been banned in any country, dismissing the circulating information as “incorrect and misleading”.

Ethylene Oxide, a fumigant and pesticide, has been a topic of concern in the food industry due to its potential adverse effects on human health. Though used to disinfect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, it has been associated with health risks when consumed or exposed to high levels over extended periods.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2023.

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