Cancer-Causing Substance Ethylene Oxide Detected in 527 Indian Items, Including 54 Labelled Organic, Prompts Food Safety Discussions, Here's What You Need To Know

Between September 2020 and April 2024, EU food safety authorities found that 527 products from India were contaminated with ethylene oxide, a harmful chemical linked to cancer. The European Union imposed restrictions on ethylene oxide usage back in 1991. However, due to a rise in imports, authorities are now increasing their scrutiny. The 527 products from India included nuts and sesame seeds (313), herbs and spices (60), dietetic foods (48), and other food items (34). Interestingly, some items like sesame seeds, black pepper, and ashwagandha were labelled organic or claimed to be premium immunity enhancers even though they contained ethylene oxide. What Is Ethylene Oxide? Which Cancers Are Associated With Exposure to Ethylene Oxide? Know Health Risks and Side Effects of the Gas Used for Sterilisation of Spices.

Reportedly, 87 shipments were rejected at the border, and many others were taken off the market. The full list of affected products, which received rejection notices, highlights the widespread presence of the chemical. Ethylene oxide was found in various items, from hummus made in Spain using Indian sesame seeds to bakery items and herbal food supplements. Read on to learn more about this chemical.

What Is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide is a colourless gas. It's a chemical that is used in lots of different industries. People use it to clean things and make sure that the food doesn’t have germs or bugs. It's also used to help preserve food.

What Is Ethylene Oxide Used For?

Ethylene oxide is used for a few different things. One use is to clean things really well, making sure they're free from germs and bugs. It's also used to help keep food fresh for longer periods of time. Ethylene oxide is like a cleaner and a preserver!

Is Ethylene Oxide Poisonous?

Ethylene oxide can be harmful to our health if we're exposed to too much of it. Breathing in a lot of ethylene oxide can make us sick, and it might even cause cancer if we're exposed to it for a long time. So, it's important to be careful and avoid being around it too much. When ethylene oxide is used in very small amounts on foods, it's generally safe because it helps keep the food from spoiling too quickly. But if there's a larger quantity of ethylene oxide in the food, it could be harmful to eat. That's why it's important for food regulators to make sure that the amount of ethylene oxide used in food is safe for us to eat.

Does Ethylene Oxide in Food Pose Health Risks or Cause Side Effects?

Ethylene Oxide in food is dangerous because it's a chemical used to get rid of germs and bugs. It's commonly used in spices to keep away pests. Eating food with Ethylene Oxide might make you sick and cause serious health issues. According to the latest reports, the Food Regulator FSSAI will test MDH and Everest spices because they were banned in Singapore and Hong Kong since they found cancer-causing chemicals in these spices. Liquid Nitrogen, Dry Ice, Synthetic Sweetener Saccharin, Rhodamine-B in Cotton Candy and Manchurian and Ethylene Oxide in Spices! Foods to Avoid for Kids as Well as Adults.

Whenever you make a purchase, it is important to check the labels on the food packaging and carefully check the ingredients listed. Educate yourself about these ingredients to increase your awareness of what you are consuming. Remain vigilant about your food choices, particularly those containing harmful additives. By steering clear of these harmful additives, we can maintain our well-being and overall health.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 25, 2024 11:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).