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Sesame seeds: ethylene oxide scandal spreads further

September 23, 2020 at 11:39 AM , Der AUDITOR
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NEW DELHI/BRUSSELS. Sesame seeds contaminated with high ethylene oxide levels are being recalled throughout Europe. A trader from Belgium has accidently put the contaminated seeds into circulation.

Ethylene oxide can produce toxic substances

Ethylene oxide is widely used in India to fumigate heat-sensitive foods such as ground spices to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. Some exporters also use the gas to treat other products such as sesame seeds. In Germany, however, the use of ethylene oxide has been banned since 1981. Problem is that the gas may produce toxic 2-chloroethanol. The EU has set a very low limit of 0.05 mg/kg. As no limits, however, apply for shipments to other destinations such as the US some exporters maintain that some products cannot meet EU

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