What is ethylene oxide?

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reportedly announced that it did not find ethylene oxide (ETO), a food contaminant flagged by foreign countries, in samples of spices of two major brands MDH and Everest that were tested in 28 accredited laboratories

• Last month, the FSSAI started taking samples of spices in powder form of all brands, including MDH and Everest, from across the country in view of quality concerns flagged by Hong Kong and Singapore.

• The Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety (CFS) had asked consumers not to buy certain spice mix products of MDH and Everest, citing the presence of ethylene oxide beyond the permissible limit.

• These products are MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder.

Ethylene oxide

• At room temperature, ethylene oxide is a flammable, colourless gas with a sweet odour. 

• Ethylene oxide is used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of ethylene glycol (antifreeze), textiles, detergents, polyurethane foam, solvents, medicine, adhesives, and other products.

• Relatively small amounts of ethylene oxide are used as a fumigant, as a sterilant for food (spices) and cosmetics, and in hospital sterilisation of surgical equipment and plastic devices that cannot be sterilized by steam.

• The acute (short-term) effects of ethylene oxide in humans consist mainly of central nervous system depression and irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. 

• Chronic (long-term) exposure to ethylene oxide in humans can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and damage to the brain and nervous system. There also is some evidence linking ethylene oxide exposure to reproductive effects. 

• The primary routes of human exposure to ethylene oxide are inhalation and ingestion, which may occur through occupational, consumer, or environmental exposure.

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified ethylene oxide as being able to cause cancer in humans.

• Evidence indicates that exposure to ethylene oxide increases the risk of lymphoid cancer and, for females, breast cancer.

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