The risk of “Ethylene Oxide” continues in foods. 

 

In September 2020, Belgium reported that it detected ethylene oxide in sesame seeds from India through the RASFF system. Therefore, the products’ recalls were made using the relevant sesame seeds and this sesame. 

 

The European Commission’s Food and Feed Crisis Coordinators have decided to recall products containing the ethylene oxide-contaminated E410 carob range collectively. 

 

Such a decision was taken by the crisis coordinators representing all member states, together with Iceland and Norway, on the grounds that there was no safe limit for the contaminated E410-containing products and that any exposure would jeopardize consumers’ health. Large firms such as Mars and Nestle were also affected by this decision. 

 

The carob range is herbal glue extracted from carob seeds and used as a thickener, stabilizer and gelling agent in foods. It is widely used in ice cream, yoghurt, cheese, soft drinks, sauce and bakery products. 

 

The process first started on 8 June with the opening of the notification of ethylene oxide detection in the stabilizer named Lygomme FM 4605 through Spain’s RASFF system. 

 

So is E410 the tip of the iceberg? 

 

Foodwatch has a striking statement on the subject: “Foods containing ingredients that have been illegally treated with ethylene oxide (a carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic disinfectant), which is banned in Europe, have been circulating in Europe for months or even years”. 

 

In September 2020, Belgium reported that it detected ethylene oxide in sesame seeds from India through the RASFF system. Therefore, the products’ recalls were made using the relevant sesame seeds and this sesame.

 

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