Amendments on ethylene oxide in food additives

For some time now, there have been numerous recalls of various food products due to ethylene oxide. The use of the gaseous disinfectant is banned in the EU because it is considered mutagenic and carcinogenic.

In the recent past, ethylene oxide has been detected mainly in food additives, which are used in a number of foods. As a result, the Annex to Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012 has now been amended as follows:

"In the food additives listed in Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, including mixtures of food additives, no residues exceeding 0.1 mg/kg of ethylene oxide (sum of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol (expressed as ethylene oxide (*)) shall be present, irrespective of its origin. (*) i.e. ethylene oxide + 0.55* 2- chloroethanol."

The amendment to the regulation will take effect on Sept. 1, 2022.

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Tentamus Group laboratories are always up to date regarding changes and innovations in regulatory topics. We advise you regarding your products and analyze them for ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol.

Read more about ethylene oxide in food products HERE.