FDA and US EPA have Concluded that Consumption of ETO Treated Spices is Safe | Understanding the Controversy
FDA and US EPA have Concluded that Consumption of ETO Treated Spices is Safe | Understanding the Controversy Introduction: Ethylene Oxide in Spices: The use of ethylene oxide (ETO) in the treatment of spices has sparked controversy, with recent actions by Hong Kong and Singapore against certain spice variants manufactured by Indian brands MDH and Everest Food Products. However, the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) asserts that ETO-treated spices are deemed safe for consumption in the United States. The Safety Debate: In response to concerns raised by Hong Kong and Singapore, the ASTA clarified that both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have determined ETO-treated spices as safe for consumption. This stance contrasts with the actions taken by Hong Kong and Singapore, which suspended sales and ordered recalls of certain spice blends due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide. Ethylene Oxide Usage: Et...