Ethylene oxide is a highly toxic and reactive gas used to kill animal pests in warehouses and overseas containers.
In the EU, the use of the fumigant, which is classified as a pesticide and biocide, has been banned for food applications since 1981. It may still be used for disinfection, if contact with food is safely excluded.
Recent findings in sesame seed from India and meanwhile also in spices and other foodstuffs were reported by the European alert system (RASSF), causing numerous product call-backs in several countries.
VERWEY IS YOUR SPECIALIST FOR Ethylene oxide residue ANALYSIS WITHIN the AGROLAB GROUP
Our laboratory in Rotterdam faced a sharp increase in the demand for analytical residue testing for ethylene oxide last fall and was able to ramp up its measurement capacity for this test in record time.
We offer testing for ethylene oxide within in 5 working days as standard. A 24h express service is available on demand with surcharge - in very urgent cases after prior confirmation same day reporting can be managed.
Of course you may contact each of our AGROLAB food laboratories, if you are interested in this service.
Read more in our Product Information Food - Ethylene Oxide
Author: Dr. Frank Mörsberger