(July 8, 2022) – There was a lot of noodling around.
Filipinos took to social media to react to the advisory issued by some countries in Europe following the detection of a chemical in the products of a popular noodle brand.
Food regulators in France, Ireland, and Malta separately issued health warnings after flagging traces of ethylene oxide—a chemical used to disinfect products—on the instant noodles and pancit canton of Lucky Me!, noting that the use of the said chemical is unauthorized in the European Union.
Ireland particularly recalled the batch that was manufactured in Thailand with a “best before” date of July 20, 2022. Lucky Me! products that reached Malta were produced last year.
“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 minimized,” read Ireland’s advisory.
Monde Nissin Corporation, which manufactures Lucky Me! in the Philippines, clarified that they do not use pesticides in the product, noting that it complies with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“It (ethylene oxide) 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,” said the company in a statement.
Netizens aired mixed reactions on Twitter after learning about the health advisories. Many were initially shocked, saying Lucky Me! noodles were their favorite comfort food growing up.
Others also recounted how they relied on the said products to get by during their college years because they were affordable.
girl i lived on pancit canton diet in college ???
pancit canton with 3pcs kwek kwek everyday before math 54 oof the good old days
— rain (@okeydokinyeop) July 8, 2022
as a bio major isko, eating pancit canton has been my instant comfort food during my sleepless undergrad days and it will remain a happy part of my (mis)adventures in college
— nahte ? (@ethanbnzl) July 8, 2022
Former Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., meanwhile, mentioned how the said noodles have become a staple during relief operations in the aftermath of calamities.
I forgot about that. Going out to buy a carton of it. My favorite noodles. The best famine relief option: after a flood, flood the flooded area with Lucky Me noodle water-proof packets and keep the stricken population alive and healthy. No shakedowns please. https://t.co/2KvkpRpbxo
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) July 8, 2022
Of course, instant memes and funny posts were cooked up.
me, a lucky me pancit canton addict: pic.twitter.com/LYmoRWnpHK
— moon (@ataraxiaa__) July 7, 2022
me eating pancit canton after finding out about the lucky me issue: pic.twitter.com/epB9pOcC7q
— r (@_rianluizz) July 7, 2022
me after the lucky me pancit canton viral on twitter: pic.twitter.com/sAs8JZcORu
— lok (@sander_mondejar) July 7, 2022
Me enjoying my Lucky Me sweet and spicy pancit canton despite the ethylene oxide reports pic.twitter.com/RSfN6U1S4F
— Lou (@loumillares) July 7, 2022
Me eating Lucky Me Pancit Canton served with Ethylene Oxide adding a depth of flavor for my breakfast: pic.twitter.com/X8llFj6xR8
— Jim RN|PH (@JimGumboc) July 8, 2022
“Lucky Me” and “Pancit Canton” were among the top trending topics on Twitter on Friday.
The Department of Health has already coordinated with the local company and manufacturer to review the issue. The FDA also echoed the clarification that the chemical in question functions as “a processing aid used to disinfect herbs and spices.”
“The FDA is currently investigating this matter and coordinating with the aforementioned food business operator to check its compliance. We shall provide updates on the result of investigation for public information,” said FDA director general Dr. Oscar Gutierrez Jr. in a statement.
#TheChiefs | Health Usec. Rosario Vergeire notes the manufacturer’s announcement that local Lucky Me! instant noodles and pancit canton are safe for consumption. She adds the FDA is capable of detecting toxic compounds in food products sold in PH.https://t.co/A3uq5UC51p
— ONE News PH (@onenewsph) July 8, 2022
#TheChiefs | Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire notes the manufacturer’s announcement that local Lucky Me! instant noodles and pancit canton are safe for consumption. https://t.co/A3uq5UC51p
— ONE News PH (@onenewsph) July 8, 2022
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