Shimadzu's Solutions For Analyzing Ethylene Oxide & 2-Chloroethanol
Ethylene Oxide And 2-Chloroethanol In Food: What You Need to Know
Ethylene Oxide (EtO/EO) is a toxic compound widely recognized for its carcinogenic and mutagenic risks. Despite these concerns, it has historically been used in the food industry as a fumigant due to its effectiveness in reducing or eliminating microbiological contamination caused by bacteria and fungi. However, when EtO comes in contact with food, it undergoes chemical reactions within the food matrix, producing harmful byproducts such as ethylene glycol, 2-chloroethanol (2-CE), and 2-bromoethanol. These toxicological risks have led to the phasing out of EtO for food fumigation in many countries worldwide.
In the European Union (EU), the use of EtO for disinfecting foodstuffs, including in storage areas, is strictly prohibited (ECHA, 2020). To further safeguard public health, the EU has established maximum residue limits (MRLs) for EtO and its primary metabolite, 2-CE, in various food and agricultural commodities. These limits range from 0.02 to 0.1 mg/kg, depending on the product category, as outlined in Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/868. The importance of adhering to these regulations has been underscored by recent food product recalls, where non-compliance with EU standards has disrupted supply chains and raised concerns about food safety.
To ensure the quality and safety of food products, the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) enforces strict measures. Products exceeding the combined MRL value of 0.05 mg/kg (50 parts per billion) for EtO and 2-CE are prohibited from being sold within the EU. This highlights the critical need for accurate detection and quantification of these residues in food.
What's In The Infographic?
- What EtO is and how it impacts food safety
- How Shimadzu’s UFMS technology addresses this challenge
- A step-by-step look at Shimadzu’s end-to-end analysis of EtO and 2-CE in food samples
Download Our eBook! Solutions For Analysis Of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) & 2-Chloro Ethanol (2-CE)
For a deeper dive into the challenges and solutions surrounding EtO and 2-CE contamination, Shimadzu offers a comprehensive eBook. This resource delves into the complexities of these toxic compounds and provides valuable insights into how advanced technologies can assist food producers and safety professionals in addressing these issues effectively.
Given EtO’s dual nature—highly effective for fumigation yet toxic to human health—it is crucial to ensure that any trace amounts remaining in food products fall well within safe consumption guidelines. To uphold food quality and safety, Shimadzu provides robust and reliable solutions for analyzing EtO and 2-CE across a wide range of food matrices. Whether it’s agricultural products like oil seeds, spices, processed foods, or even ayurvedic and herbal products, Shimadzu’s technologies are designed to deliver accurate and efficient testing results.
Shimadzu’s solutions, summarized in the table below, are tailored to meet the needs of various food matrices, ensuring fast, precise, and reliable testing to comply with safety standards and protect public health.
| Matrix Covered | Technique | Instrument |
|---|---|---|
| Sesame Seeds | Liquid Injection (EtO & 2-CE) | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with AOC-20i/s |
| Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Solvent extraction | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with HS-20 NX | |
| Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Direct sample in HS vial | GCMS-TQ8040 NX with HS-20 NX | |
| Liquid Injection (2-CE) - Conversion Method | GCMS-TQ8040 NX with AOC-20i/s | |
| Dynamic Headspace Injection (2-CE) - Conversion Method | GCMS-TQ8040 NX with HS-20 NX | |
| Chilli Powder Chicken Masala | Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Solvent extraction | GCMS-TQ8040 NX with AOC-30i |
| Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Solvent extraction | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with AOC-20i/s | |
| Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Direct sample in HS vial | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with HS-20 NX | |
| Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Solvent extraction | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with HS-20 NX | |
| Kitchen Masala | Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Solvent extraction | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with HS-20 NX |
| Amala Powder | Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Solvent extraction | text text text text text text text text text |
| Ashwagandha Powder | Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Solvent extraction | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with HS-20 NX |
| Boswellia Serrata Powder | Liquid Injection (EtO & 2-CE) | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with AOC-20i/s |
| Dynamic Headspace (EtO & 2-CE) - Solvent extraction | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with HS-20 NX | |
| Noodles | Liquid Injection (EtO & 2-CE) | GCMS-TQ8050 NX with AOC-20i/s |
Want to stay ahead in food safety? Download our eBook to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of EtO and 2-CE contamination challenges
- Discover advanced analytical methods for fast and accurate testing
- Learn how to ensure compliance with global food safety regulations
Food Safety In General: A Broader Perspective
While Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and 2-Chloroethanol (2-CE) are critical concerns, they represent just one part of the broader food safety landscape. Contaminants such as dioxins, marine toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful substances also pose significant risks to public health and the integrity of the food supply chain.
Shimadzu goes beyond addressing EtO and 2-CE by offering Total Solutions to tackle a wide range of food safety challenges. Leveraging advanced technologies, Shimadzu provides precise, reliable tools to detect, analyze, and mitigate these risks effectively.
Total Food Safety Solutions Include:
Dioxins:
Found in meat, dairy, fish, and shellfish, these toxic compounds are linked to cancer and reproductive issues. Shimadzu’s GC-MS/MS ensures robust, low-level detection across diverse food types.
Marine Toxins:
Harmful algae blooms produce toxins that accumulate in seafood. Shimadzu’s methods enable simultaneous analysis of key toxins with high sensitivity and recovery rates.
Heavy Metals:
Mercury, lead, and arsenic can contaminate food through environmental exposure. Shimadzu’s ICPMS-2050 delivers accurate trace analysis with reduced costs and simplified workflows.