Recently, China's Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety said that ethylene oxide (ETO) has been found in spices produced in India, and China's General Administration of Customs has also issued a risk warning notice regarding the presence of ethylene oxide in Indian spices. So what is ethylene oxide, what is the harm of ethylene oxide, and how do different countries regulate ethylene oxide. Here is a brief introduction from Foodmate for your reference.

1. What is Ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide, chemical name 1,2-Epoxyethane formula C2H4O, CAS registration number 75-21-8. Ethylene oxide has a colorless liquid appearance, has an ether taste, and is easily soluble in water [1.0kg/L(25℃)] and most organic solvents. In terms of sterilization, ethylene oxide has always played an irreplaceable role, has a strong bactericidal effect and does not corrode metals, no residual odor, can kill bacteria (and its endospores), mold and fungi. At present, it can be used as an effective disinfection component of medical equipment in China, and it is allowed to be used as a pesticide or disinfectant in some countries and regions, and can be used for the fumigation of spices and the disinfection and sterilization of plastics, sanitary materials and other products.

2. The hazards of Ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide has certain genotoxicity, which can cause chromosome aberrations in mouse bone marrow cell division, mainly cracks, fractures and fragments, and it is intensified with the increase of concentration. Exposure to high concentrations of ethylene oxide in the air over a short period of time can cause irritation to the lungs. People exposed to high concentrations of ethylene oxide for short and long periods of time can experience symptoms such as headaches, memory loss, numbness, nausea and vomiting.

The World Health Organization's International Center for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies ethylene oxide as a level 1 carcinogen harmful to humans. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has also determined that ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen.

3. Regulation of Ethylene oxide in mainstream countries

3.1 China

In China, ethylene oxide is not an available pesticide, and no residue limit for ethylene oxide in food has been set in GB 2763 "Maximum Residue Limit for Pesticides in Food under the National Standard for Food Safety".

Ethylene oxide also cannot be used for food sterilization. In 2010, China's former Ministry of Health issued the "List of Raw materials (Ingredients) for Food disinfectants (2009 edition)", which does not include ethylene oxide, so ethylene oxide is not a disinfectant that can be used for food and food contact materials.

China's food safety national standard for the use of additives for food contact materials and products (GB 9685-2016) specifies the permitted use of food contact materials and products of additives, among which ethylene oxide can be used as food contact materials and products of additives.

3.2 European Union

The EU's "maximum residue limits for pesticides in food and feed of animal and plant origin, and the amendment of EU Council Directive 91/414/EEC ((EC) No 396/2005) stipulates the maximum residue amount of ethylene oxide in various foods: the maximum residue limit of cereals, fruits and vegetables is 0.02mg/kg; the MRL in nuts, herbs, seeds or fruits containing oil is 0.05mg/kg; and the maximum residue limit in tea, spices, etc., is 0.1mg/kg.

3.3 The United States

The United States "Pesticide Residue Limits and Exemptions in Food" (40 CFR PART 180) stipulates that ethylene oxide can be used as an antibacterial agent or insecticide, and the limit requirements in food are: the maximum residue limit of vanilla and spices (except basil) is 7mg/kg; the MRLS in dehydrated vegetables, licorice and sesame were 7mg/kg. The maximum residue limit in walnuts is 50mg/kg.

3.4 Canada

On October 12, 2017, Canada released the removal of Ethylene Oxide (NOM/ADM 0107) from the List of Miscellaneous Food Additives Permitted in Table 8, removed ethylene oxide from the list of food additives, and designated ethylene oxide as a fumigant pesticide to be regulated under the Insecticide Act.

The Canadian Pesticide Maximum Residue Limit (MRLS) stipulates that the maximum residue limit of ethylene oxide in dehydrated vegetables, licorice, sesame is 7mg/kg.

3.5 Australia and New Zealand

The Australian and New Zealand MRLS for ethylene oxide ended in 2003 and there are currently no specific requirements for the residual limits for ethylene oxide.

3.6 Japan

Japan has not specified the residual limit for ethylene oxide.

3.7 Korea

Ethylene oxide is an unregistered pesticide in Korea, and the uniform standard of 0.01mg/kg is implemented according to the positive list system.

4. Export compliance tips

In China, ethylene oxide is not a pesticide and food disinfectant that can be legally used, and China has not set a limit requirement for ethylene oxide, but the European Union, the United States, Canada and other countries have set a clear limit requirement for some products. Ethylene oxide as a carcinogen, is strictly prohibited for food sterilization, in the process of food production and processing should also be wary of ethylene oxide contamination, avoid the use of food raw materials and packaging materials that may contain ethylene oxide.

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