Ireland recalls Vietnam's Hao Hao noodles over food safety concerns

On Aug. 20, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) announced that batches of Hao Hao and Good noodles are being recalled owing to the presence of ethylene oxide - an illegal pesticide.

Ethylene oxide is not authorized for use in foods in the European Union (EU), of which Ireland is a member.

There are three products in the FSAI's recall list, two of which are from Acecook Vietnam, a shipment of Hao Hao spicy and sour shrimp noodles with an expiry date of Sept. 24, 2022 and Good noodles with an expiration date until Nov. 10, 2022.

Besides, China's Yato seafood noodles, with an expiration date of Nov. 30, 2022, were also revoked by Ireland.

According to the FSAI, the consumption of products contaminated with ethylene oxide does not pose an acute hazard to the user, but could lead to other long-term health problems. Therefore, the agency recommends minimizing exposure to this substance.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) on Saturday morning said it had sent a request to Acecook Vietnam JSC to promptly report on its production processes and procedures, and explain the difference between products consumed domestically and those exported.

In addition, the MoIT is also reviewing the entire list of products distributed by Acecook Vietnam countrywide, checking and clarifying production processes and identifying violations.

Talking to VnExpress, an Acecook representative said: "We are conducting a meeting and will have an official announcement for consumers soon."

Vietnam presently has approximately 50 companies producing instant noodles, including both domestic and foreign. Currently, instant pho and instant noodles made in Vietnam are present in more than 40 markets.