What is ETO used for in spices?
EtO is used by the spice industry to reduce microbial contamination, such as E. coli and Salmonella. The EPA regulates the use of EtO in the US and maintains information about the technology on its website. Tolerances for EtO and ethylene chlorohydrin (ECH) are set by the EPA. Tolerances for EtO are 7ppm for the spice and herb group except basil.
Is there an alternative to ETO sterilization?
While certain devices can only be sterilized using EtO, some devices can be sterilized through other methods, including heat, gamma radiation, electron beam radiation, x-ray, and hydrogen peroxide plasma. FDA is holding an innovation challenge to find alternatives to EtO.
How are spices and dried herbs treated in the US?
This page includes information on the regulatory requirements and treatment methods available for spices and dried herbs in the US. Common treatment methods include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, irradiation and steam. The ASTA Clean Safe Spice Guide provides an overview of these treatment methods.
What is eto food fumigation?
Food has been treated with ETO since the 1930’s, when the inventor Lloyd Hall promoted its use for the fumigation of foods. Patent #2,107,697 was granted to him in 1938 for this process ( 5 ). While his technology was best known for spices, the patent also covered meats, breads, beverages, vegetables, and more.
What is EtO treatment?
EtO treatment is also a principal method used to reduce bacterial levels in herbs and spices. The spice industry estimated that approximately 32 percent of herbs and whole spices are treated with EtO annually.
What is an EtO label?
EtO is an EPA-registered antimicrobial pesticide. Pesticide labels are legally binding under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The directions and precautions on EPA-accepted labels define who may use a pesticide, as well as where, how, how much, and how often it may be used. Risks of exposure to humans and the ...
Why is EtO important?
EPA considers EtO critical for sterilizing medical equipment and necessary to protect public health. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), EtO is the only sterilization method available for many medical devices. Approximately 50 percent of all medical devices are treated with EtO in the United States annually.
What is ethylene oxide?
Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is an EPA-registered antimicrobial pesticide used to sterilize medical equipment and spices. It is the only sterilization method available for many medical devices and approximately 50 percent of all sterile medical devices in the United States are treated with EtO annually. EtO is currently undergoing registration review, ...
What are the methods used to sterilize spices?
FDA is holding an innovation challenge to find alternatives to EtO. The primary methods for sterilizing spices are steam, irradiation, propylene oxide, and EtO. Which method is used depends on the pathogen of concern, particular characteristics of the spice, and whether the spice can withstand a particular treatment without significant degradation ...
Does inhaling EtO cause cancer?
EPA’s November 2020 draft risk assessment for the registration review found that inhaling EtO over many decades can cause cancer risks of concern. Therefore, additional mitigation measures are necessary to protect the health of workers and surrounding communities.
Can you sterilize with EtO?
While certain devices can only be sterilized using EtO, some devices can be sterilized through other methods, including heat, gamma radiation, electron beam radiation, x-ray, and hydrogen peroxide plasma. FDA is holding an innovation challenge to find alternatives to EtO. The primary methods for sterilizing spices are steam, irradiation, ...
