EU Revises Regulations for Ethylene Oxide in Food Additives
The European Commission has recently published revisions to its regulation on the use of ethylene oxide in food additives. The revisions have been made to provide clarity on the allowable levels of ethylene oxide present in food additives, as uncertainty surrounding regulation of the substance has led to enforcement challenges and recall incidents.
Ethylene oxide is a chemical substance with many applications, such for the sterilization of raw materials in food production. However, the substance has been identified as a carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxin.