MANILA, Philippines — Three countries in the European Union (EU) (Ireland, Malta, and France) issued separate health warnings against Lucky Me!, according to their food regulators Lucky Me noodles contains ethylene oxide, which is a chemical commonly used to disinfect products and this chemical may cause health problems like cancer if people are exposed it for a long period of time. Ethylene oxide can also be found in pesticide. The chemical is flammable and is also used to make antifreeze and polyester according to the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information said.
Their government recalled several variants of Lucky Me! noodle soup and pancit canton, particularly those manufactured between 2021 and 2022. It includes pancit canton flavors original, hot chili, kalamansi, and chilimansi and Lucky Me! beef mami flavor.
The Irish government noted that some of the Lucky Me! products being recalled were manufactured in Thailand.
"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. Therefore, exposure to this substance needs to be minimised."
The France health regulator stated that consumers should stop buying the products, return them to the store where they bought them, and destroy them.
In a statement issued Thursday, Lucky Me manufacturer and owner Monde Nissin said that it was not adding ethylene oxide in its noodle products.
"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," they said in the statement.
Monde Nissin also assured that all Lucky Me! products are registered with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), complying with local food safety standards and "even the US FDA standards for ethylene oxide."
