eu · residue
Ethylene oxide (ETO)
The EU treats ethylene oxide as a banned pesticide at a 0.1 mg/kg default limit — the residue behind the 2020–21 spice recalls.
| Property | Value | Unit | Method | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethylene oxide (as 2-chloroethanol) | 0.1 | mg/kg | Spices | Reg. (EU) 2023/915 — maximum levels for certain contaminants |
What is Ethylene oxide (ETO)?
The EU treats ethylene oxide as a banned pesticide at a 0.1 mg/kg default limit — the residue behind the 2020–21 spice recalls.
The read
ETO is a fumigant/steriliser banned as a pesticide in the EU since 1991; the default MRL is 0.1 mg/kg (expressed as the sum of ETO and its 2-chloroethanol metabolite). The 2020–21 wave of recalls put it at the centre of spice compliance. The fix is to sterilise by steam, not ETO, and to test — "ETO-free / steam-treated" is now a standard EU-buyer requirement, and India’s Spices Board has issued comprehensive ETO guidelines.
Applies to
Frequently asked
How do I avoid ETO rejection in the EU?
Require steam sterilisation instead of ethylene-oxide fumigation, and accredited ETO/2-chloroethanol testing at 0.1 mg/kg on every EU-bound lot. Ask the supplier for their sterilisation method in writing.
Sources
- Reg. (EU) 2023/915 — maximum levels for certain contaminants· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16
- Spices Board — Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES)· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16