Monde Nissin Shares Fall as Europe Issues Health Warnings

On Thursday, July 7, 2022, EU countries such as Ireland, Malta, and France issued separate public health warnings on Lucky Me! instant noodles, claiming that it contains ethylene oxide, a chemical found in pesticides and disinfecting products.

“This pesticide is not authorized for use in foods sold in the EU. 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,” states the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

The regulator of Ireland also adds that “Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch,”

Monde Nissin then swiftly released a public statement saying that the chemical ethylene oxide is not added to their Lucky Me! products but is being used to stop microbial growth in its spices.

“It is a commonly used treatment in spices and seeds to control microbial growth typical in agricultural products. These materials, when processed into seasoning and sauces, may still show traces of ethylene oxide,”  says Monde Nissin.

“Rest assured that all Lucky Me! products are Philippine FDA registered and comply with local food safety standards and even the US FDA standards for Ethylene Oxide.” also mentioned in Monde Nissin’s statement.

After the news was released, Monde Nissin shares closed at ₱13.36 which was one of the worst performers for Thursday.

This number was worse than the decline in the main index at 1.44%.

Monde Nissin has also stated that the product recall will also affect its other products such as spices, ice cream, calcium carbonate supplements, and sesame seeds.

Source: Rappler, Philstar