Ethylene Oxide in Herbal Teas

Introduction

Herbal teas are celebrated worldwide for their soothing properties, natural flavours, and health benefits. However, the safety of these teas has come under scrutiny due to the potential presence of ethylene oxide, a chemical used in sterilization processes and as a pesticide. While ethylene oxide can play a role in reducing microbial contamination, its residue in food products poses significant health concerns. Let’s explore why this issue matters and what steps are being taken to ensure the safety of herbal teas.

What is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide (EO) is a gas commonly used for:

• Sterilization: It eliminates bacteria, fungi, and other microbes in medical equipment, spices, and some food products.
• Pesticide: It controls pests in agricultural products.

Although effective in sterilization, its use in food production is controversial due to its potential toxicity and carcinogenicity.

Why is Ethylene Oxide Found in Herbal Teas?

Herbal teas, often made from dried plants, flowers, or roots, are susceptible to microbial contamination during harvesting, processing, or storage. EO may be used to:

• Sanitize raw materials: Especially in regions with higher contamination risks.
• Prolong shelf life: By reducing microbial spoilage.

While the sterilization process effectively ensures microbial safety, residues of ethylene oxide or its by-product, 2-chloroethanol, can remain in the final product.

Health Risks of Ethylene Oxide

EO is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Key health risks include:

• Carcinogenicity: Long-term exposure is linked to cancers, particularly of the blood and lymphatic systems.
• Reproductive Toxicity: EO may harm fertility and fetal development.
• Acute Effects: Short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory irritation.

 Testing Methods for Ethylene Oxide in Herbal Teas

Importance of testing Ethylene Oxide in Herbal Teas

Standards and regulations

European Union Regulations on Cadmium in Spices

According to Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005, the maximum residue limit for ethylene oxide in herbal teas is set at 0.1 mg/kg. This limit includes the sum of ethylene oxide and its metabolite, 2-chloroethanol.

FSSAI

The recent decision by the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to increase the maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides in herbs and spices from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg has raised significant concerns among activists and scientists. This decision contradicts FSSAI's earlier stance in 2022, where it recommended adopting Codex Alimentarius standards due to the lack of reliable field trial data for Indian pesticides. The current MRLs are based on field trial data provided by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee, but these studies often come from pesticide companies, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Moreover, national monitoring programs like the Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at the National Level (MPRNL) lack comprehensive testing for spices, further highlighting gaps in the regulatory framework. This policy change could also harm international trade, as countries with stricter pesticide standards, such as the EU, Singapore, and Hong Kong, have already rejected Indian products exceeding their limits. For instance, Indian spice brands faced bans in these markets for containing ethylene oxide, a pesticide linked to cancer. The decision underscores the need for transparent, science-based regulations to safeguard public health and maintain trade integrity. Eurofins role in testing cadmium in Spices

Eurofins services in testing in Ethylene Oxide in Herbal Teas

Eurofins offers a comprehensive range of testing services specifically designed to analyze ethylene oxide (EtO) residues in herbal teas and other food products. Their expertise in food safety and quality assurance is crucial for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Key Services Offered by Eurofins

Residue Analysis: Eurofins provides analytical services to detect ethylene oxide and its metabolite, 2-chloroethanol, in various food matrices, including herbal teas. Their methods are based on advanced techniques such as Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), ensuring high sensitivity and specificity in detecting low residue levels.

Compliance with Regulatory Standards: The testing services align with international regulations, including those set by the European Union, which mandates a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.1 mg/kg for ethylene oxide in teas and herbal infusions. Eurofins ensures that their testing methods meet these legal requirements, helping clients avoid potential product recalls or penalties.

Quality Assurance and Consulting: Beyond testing, Eurofins offers consulting services to help businesses navigate the complexities of food safety regulations. This includes personalized support from industry experts who can provide guidance on best practices for sourcing and processing herbal teas to minimize contamination risks.

Rapid Turnaround and Data Access: Eurofins emphasizes efficiency in their operations, providing timely results to clients. They also offer the Eurofins OnLine (EOL) platform, granting clients 24-hour access to their analysis results and data archives, facilitating better decision-making.

Broad Analytical Scope: Their analytical capabilities extend beyond ethylene oxide to include testing for other contaminants such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiological safety indicators. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of product safety are addressed.

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