Ethylene Oxide Residue
Your Industry, Our Focus
Ensuring Safe and Compliant Food Products
At Eurofins Food and Feed Testing, we provide precise and reliable Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Residual Testing to help ensure food safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. Utilizing advanced GC-MS technology, our services identify and quantify ethylene oxide and its by-products, like 2-Chloroethanol, across a wide range of food matrices, including seeds, spices, herbs, cereals, and processed foods.
Why is Ethylene Oxide Residual Testing Important?
Ethylene oxide (ETO) is a colorless, flammable gas primarily used as a fumigant for sterilizing food products, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. While ETO is effective in eliminating microbial contaminants such as Salmonella and E. coli, it can leave harmful residues if not properly aerated. ETO exposure poses severe health risks and is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Due to its toxic nature and recent food recalls—particularly the SESAME SEED incident in the EU—global regulations have tightened to monitor and control EtO residues in food products.
Health and Safety Risks of EtO Residues
Exposure to EtO and its metabolite 2-Chloroethanol can lead to:
- Irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory system
- Nausea, vomiting, and central nervous system depression
- Chronic exposure risks, including cancer, liver damage, and respiratory failure
Regulatory agencies like the European Union (EU) have set strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), with limits ranging between 0.02 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg depending on the food matrix. Non-compliance can lead to product recalls, loss of consumer confidence, and legal penalties.
Eurofins' EtO Testing Capabilities
Eurofins offers accurate testing of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) residues and its derivatives, ensuring compliance with international food safety standards. Our advanced GC-MS techniques deliver reliable results with low limits of quantification (LOQ), making us a trusted partner for food manufacturers, processors, and exporters.
Key Food Matrices We Test:
|
Food Matrix |
LOQ (mg/kg) |
|
Oil seeds (e.g., Sesame, Nuts) |
0.01 mg/kg |
|
Cereals, pulses, and processed foods |
0.01 mg/kg |
|
Fruits, vegetables, and processed products |
0.01 mg/kg |
|
Spices, herbs, and condiments (as 2-CE) |
0.01 mg/kg |
|
Tea |
0.01 mg/kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Ethylene Oxide, and why is it used in the food industry?
Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is a sterilizing gas used to eliminate microbial contaminants like Salmonella and E. coli in food products. It is particularly used for products that cannot withstand high-temperature sterilization, such as spices, seeds, and herbs.
What are the health risks associated with Ethylene Oxide exposure?
Exposure to EtO can cause eye and skin irritation, respiratory issues, nausea, and long-term risks like cancer, liver damage, and central nervous system disorders.
What are the current regulatory limits for EtO residues in food?
Regulatory limits vary based on food type. In the EU, MRLs range from 0.02 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg depending on the food matrix.
Which food products are most prone to EtO contamination?
Food products like seeds, spices, tea, herbs, and certain processed foods are at higher risk due to EtO being used as a fumigant for sterilization.
How does Eurofins ensure accurate EtO testing results?
Eurofins uses advanced GC-MS technology with extremely low LOQs (0.01 mg/kg) to ensure precise detection and compliance with regulatory standards. Our expertise and global network ensure reliable and quick results.
Partner with us for Safe and Compliant Products
Ensure your products meet safety standards and earn consumer trust with Eurofins Food and Feed Testing’s Ethylene Oxide Residual Testing Services. Contact us today.
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