What is ethylene oxide and what does it have to do with the foods we eat? This chemical is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that is highly flammable and potentially toxic and carcinogenic. Ethylene oxide is used in many industries, but its use in the food industry is banned in the EU.
In recent years we have often heard of foods withdrawn from the market due to the presence of ethylene oxide. But what exactly is it? Also known as ossiranothis chemical is a colorless flammable gas and a sweetish odor reminiscent of ether. Are you wondering what this gas has to do with the foods we eat? Theoretically, nothing.
However, ethylene oxide is still used today in some countries of the world for sterilize silos and warehouses where raw materials, such as agri-food ones, are stored.
In Europe, the use of ethylene oxide in the food sector, in English “ethylene oxide“, is prohibited, but we cannot say the same for other non-European countries, such as the United States, Australia, Canada and India. This substance, however, is not only used in the food sector, but also in a multitude of other sectors, such as pharmaceuticalwhere it acts as gas for sterilization at low temperatures of various devices.
In this article we will see what is sterilized with ethylene oxidewhere it is found and what effects it could have on health and the environment.
What is ethylene oxide used for?
As we were saying, oxirane finds space in a wide range of fields. In a good percentage, this gas is used for produce other chemicals and for sterilize medical equipment and devicesas a replacement for steam, less suitable for heat-sensitive products.
In some countries, this gas is also used as fumigant in the food industrydue to its ability to eliminate bacteria, fungi and viruses. Oxirane is therefore used for disinfect warehousessilos and so on, without having to resort to heat-based systems.
In Europa This system has been banned for several yearssince 1991, when the Link between ethylene oxide and cancer risk. This gas, in fact, is highly toxic and poses risks to both human and animal health and to the environment.
Ethylene Oxide: Where is it found?
Ethylene oxide can be found in many areas and sectors.
The gas is used in the industrial sector and in the production process of ethylene glycolwhich is in turn used in antifreeze and as a coolant for vehicles. It can also be used as a food sanitizer and for the sterilization of medical and surgical equipment.
Although ethylene oxide is not permitted for use in food in Europe, many countries (such as India, the United States and Canada) continue to use it to decontaminate silos and warehouses where raw materials are stored. This means that food and raw materials from these countries could be contaminated.
What foods contain ethylene oxide?
In recent years we have witnessed several contaminated food recalls from ethylene oxide. The risk concerns practically any kind of foodespecially (but not only):
- Sesame seeds
- Dried mushrooms
- Food supplements based on plant extracts
- Spices and herbs, such as ginger and chili pepper
- Food additives, such as guar gum (E410) and locust bean gum
- Cereals and flours
- Feed intended for animal consumption
- Xanthan Gum
- Plant-based foods
- Packaged yogurt and ice cream
- Sauces
- Gluten-free foods.
If prepared with raw materials from countries that use this gas in the food sector, these foods could be contaminated. But what are the actual health and environmental risks?
The effects of ethylene oxide on health and the environment
Excessive exposure to this chemical could lead to serious health consequencesAccording to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, ethylene oxide is a “proven carcinogen” (Groups 1), classified as genotoxic, germ cell mutagen e toxic to reproduction.
From an environmental point of view, large contaminations of ethylene oxide can have a huge impact on fauna, flora and aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, given thehigh flammability of this gasthe risk of possible accidents caused by accidental leaks or spills cannot be excluded.
EU Regulation on Ethylene Oxide
At present, the EU has stringent safety regulations regarding this gas, and strictly prohibits its use in sterilization in food additives, which in turn are used in the production of various types of foods. However, as we have seen, this substance could be present in products from countries where less stringent regulations apply.
Consequently, if levels higher than those acceptable and permitted by law are found in foods marketed within the EU, the products in question will have to be withdrawn from the market.
Sources
Source: www.greenstyle.it
