Why food must be tested for Ethylene Oxide Residue?

WHAT IS ETHYLENE OXIDE?

Ethylene Oxide (Eto or EO), or called Oxirane, is an organic compound with the formula C2H4O, primarily discovered in the form of flammable colorless gases. Apart from its application in the sterilization of medical equipment and the production of ethylene glycol (antifreeze), Ethylene Oxide is also used as a disinfection substance and insecticide on agricultural products and foods in many countries. However, many studies indicate that Ethylene Oxide increases the risk of cancer. For this reason, European nations, The US, and Canada have prohibited the use of Ethylene Oxide in agriculture production and also set the limits on its residue on food. Accordingly, the regulations requiring formal inspections and certification before exporting to these nations are compulsorily followed by agricultural and food exporters.

WHY DOES ETHYLENE OXIDE RESIDUAL TESTING MATTER?

Ethylene Oxide residue testing is an essential metric to ensure compliance with the maximum residue limit in domestic and export markets and ease import-export custom clearance across EU borders.

On May 30th, 2022, Europe officially issued regulation (EU) 2022/913, updating some revised information related to the frequency of control of Ethylene Oxide (total of 2 substances ETO and 2-CE regulated) as ETO) is 20% on Vietnamese Instant Noodles:

Food and feed (intended use)	CN code	TARIC sub-division	Hazard	Frequency of identity and physical checks (%)
Instant noodle (food)	1902 30 10		Pesticide residues	20
Pitahaya (dragon fruit) (food - fresh or chilled)	0810 90 20		Pesticide residues	20

See detailed regulations here: (EU) 2022/913

The maximum limit (MRL-Maximum Residue Limit) of Ethylene oxide (sum of ethylene oxide and 2-chloro-ethanol expressed as ethylene oxide) on some products:

Peppercorn (black, green and white)	Sesame	Cereals (except rice)	Cashew nuts	Coffee beans	Rice	Processed foods
0.1 mg/kg	0.05 mg/kg	0.02 mg/kg	0.05 mg/kg	0.1 mg/kg	0.02 mg/kg	Not mention, applied default value < 0.01 mg/kg

See also the maximum limit (MRL-Maximum Residue Limit) of Ethylene Oxide according to European regulations here: MRL Ethylene Oxide

OUR APPROACH

BVAQ laboratory has successfully researched and developed Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and 2-Chloroethanol (2-CE) residues testing by using the most modern GC-MS/MS analysis techniques, with high sensitivity to achieve the limit of detection (LOD): 0.010 mg/kg as markets requirement such as Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, Korea … In addition, the BVAQ laboratory has used internal isotope standards for highly accurate results. We can report for 3 following components:

1. Ethylene Oxide (EtO/ EO)
2. 2-Chloroethanol (2-CE/ Ethylene chlorohydrin)
3. Ethylene Oxide (Sum of Ethylene Oxide and 2-Chloroethanol (Ethylene chlorohydrin express as Ethylene Oxide)

During the research process, BVAQ also tested on a variety of samples such as peppercorn, spices, oil seeds (cashew, sesame, etc.), cereals, and processed agricultural products such as Instant noodles, rice paper, vermicelli, rice noodles, etc. to provide a method with high selectivity and specificity.

In parallel with quality control, BVAQ also offers the shortest analysis process within 24 hours to help valued customers reduce testing time and optimize raw material procurement and export goods.

In response to BVAQ's efforts, on March 14^th, 2022, the BOA accreditation office recognized the BVAQ testing laboratory by ISO17025. BVAQ testing laboratory is honored to be one of few laboratories to receive this recognition in Vietnam. The accreditation demonstrates that BVAQ has met rigorous standards in quality and safety, and can be trusted with your Ethylene Oxide (ETO/EO) testing needs

BVAQ CREDIBILITY

From the understanding of organizational needs, our BVAQ Vietnam team – a global leading group offers a range of testing services for dairy, food, beverage, seeds & nuts, confectionery, fruits & vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, pet foods, and animal feed industries in Vietnam. Most importantly, what makes BVAQ Vietnam stand out from the testing market is our human capabilities, starting from the subsidiary of Bureau Veritas Group with a long history since 1828. BVAQ Vietnam has a pool of experienced technical specialists from local and foreign backgrounds to support customer needs.

• All our laboratory facilities are accredited to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017
• One Quality Management System (QMS), lab information management system (LIM’s) Standard methods are our main practice to meet regulations and as a result, meet all other global requirements.
• BVAQ Vietnam offers Customer support in comprehensive and structured ways. KAM/BD with solid support from the Customer Service team to cater to customer needs and expectations.
• Our lab is equipped with State-of-the-art instruments LCMSMS, ICPMS, GCMSMS, GC-FID, HPLC, PCR, UV Visible Spectrophotometer and etc.

Contact us to find out how our laboratory testing services can help you ensure product quality.