Warnings issued by the Environmental Health Directorate state that a number of ice-cream products potential contain ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide and sterilising agent. The chemical is not permitted for use in foods sold in the European Union but is allowed by other countries outside the EU. Despite not proving immediate health risks, the continued consumption over a long period of time may increase risks to health if the chemical is found to be present.
The products in question include several popular ice-creams such as ice cream bars for Snickers, Twix, Bounty, Kit Kat and Extreme Sundae Caramel multipacks. The full list of the products can be found on the Health Directorate website, with other items such as Kiri Soft Cheese Spread, Cream Vegetale cooking ingredient and Orasi vegetable creams. The news raised concerns on social media, with many stating they would avoid the otherwise popular ice-creams completely.
#MaltaDaily