Ethylene oxide, what's next?
Ethylene oxide is a gaseous disinfectant (plant protection product) that prevents products from going moldy and kills off pathogens such as Salmonella. Products with levels higher than the MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) for ethylene oxide may not be produced and traded in Europe.
It is the responsibility of food companies to ensure that their products meet food safety requirements. In the white paper, we dive into the world of ethylene oxide and highlight the pesticide and its use from different angles. The following topics are covered:
We look back in history Cover the precautionary principle Explain "emerging risks" All with the goal of learning from it and being ready for future problems.
In retrospect
In recent months, several lots of contaminated sesame seeds with India as their country of origin have been found in Europe. Elevated levels of Ethylene oxide have been found in these batches. In India, Ethylene oxide is used as a disinfectant on sesame seeds. Incidentally, also in other countries, according to a report in RASFF of sesame seeds from Uganda. In October 2020, a recall of contaminated batches of sesame seeds from India was initiated in the Netherlands by the NVWA. This has created a growing demand for Ethylene Oxide analysis in sesame seeds and products containing sesame seeds in recent times.
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