Ethylene oxide in sesame seeds
Ethylene oxide has recognized disinfectant properties, against bacteria, fungi and viruses, and for this reason it is widely used in the chemical industry. It is widely used for sterilization of materials and instruments used in surgery and for medical devices, but it is not allowed to use food in the European Union.
The use of ethylene oxide is not allowed in food in Member States of the European Union.
It was not always like this, initially, it was used for pest control in the food sector and mainly for the disinfestation of parasites that thrive in silos, but, due to its toxicity, its use was banned.
It has not even been approved as an active substance in plant protection products in the European Union.
Ethylene oxide is in fact classified as a class 1B mutagenic, carcinogenic and toxic compound for reproduction, according to Reg. (EC) 1272/2008.
Since September 2020, multiple entry bans (Border rejection) of batches of sesame contaminated with ethylene oxide have been notified through the European RASFF system in European countries.
The contaminated food came mainly from India, where it is allowed to process food with ethylene oxide. The concentration of ethylene oxide, in analyzed samples, was found to be up to 1000 times higher than the maximum residue limit allowed in the European Union, resulting in a mass recall of the product due to its toxicity.
As ethylene oxide, according to Regulation Reg. (EC) 396/2005, you define the sum of ethylene oxide and 2-chloro-ethanol, expressed as ethylene oxide, and for sesame the MRL is 0.05 mg/kg.
As the most reliable partner in the food sector, Q&Q Analysis provides detection and quantification tests of ethylene oxide and 2-chloro-ethanol in sesame samples and their products in full compliance with the Regulation. (EC) 396/2005.