Whitepaper
Ethylene oxide
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Ethylene oxide, what’s next?
Ethylene oxide is a gaseous disinfectant (crop protection agent) that prevents products from molding and kills pathogens such as Salmonella. Products with a content higher than the MRL (maximum residue limit) for ethylene oxide may not be produced or traded in Europe.
It is the responsibility of food companies to ensure that their products comply with food safety requirements. In this white paper, we delve into the world of ethylene oxide and examine the substance and its use from various angles. The following topics are covered:
We look back at the history
We discuss the precautionary principle
Explaining emerging risks
All with the aim of learning from this and being prepared for future problems.
A look back
In recent months, several batches of contaminated sesame seeds originating from India have been found in Europe. These batches contain elevated levels of ethylene oxide. In India, ethylene oxide is used as a disinfectant on sesame seeds. This is also the case in other countries, as evidenced by a report in RASFF concerning sesame seeds from Uganda. In October 2020, the NVWA launched a recall of contaminated batches of sesame seeds from India in the Netherlands. This has led to growing demand for the analysis of ethylene oxide in sesame seeds and products containing sesame seeds.
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