The governments of Ireland, France and Malta have issued health safety warnings to their constituents against eating the popular Filipino instant noodles brand ‘Lucky Me’.

The warning said that Lucky Me has ‘high level of ethylene oxide.’ Ethylene oxide is a hazardous chemical commonly used to manufacture pesticides and disinfectants.

The pesticide, also known as Oxirane, is also used as a fumigant to control fungi and bacteria growth in dry food products. It is not authorized, however, to be used in foods in the European Union.

Ethylene Oxide does not necessarily pose a big threat to human health, but extensive use of the pesticide can cause minor to serious problems.

The noodles tested have ‘Best Before: July 20, 2022’ label:

• Product description: Instant noodles Pancit Canton ORIGINAL Flavour
• Product description: Instant noodles Pancit Canton HOT CHILI Flavour
• Product description: Instant noodle soup BEEF Flavour
• Product description: Instant noodles Pancit Canton KALAMANSI Flavour
• Product description: Instant noodles Pancit Canton CHILIMANSI Flavour

The manufacturer and owner of the brand has yet to issue their comments.

Sources: Dept. of Information Malta Facebook page, doi.govt.mt