Are Indian Spices Safe After the ETO Recalls?

Are Indian spices safe to import after the ETO recalls?

Yes, when sourced against the ETO limit. Ethylene oxide is a pesticide banned in the EU since 1991, with a 0.1 mg/kg default limit. The fix is steam sterilisation plus ETO testing on every lot, not ETO fumigation.

What the ETO issue is

Ethylene oxide (ETO) is a fumigant historically used to reduce microbial load in spices. It has been banned as a pesticide in the EU since 1991, and the EU applies a default maximum residue level of 0.1 mg/kg. Detections above that trigger RASFF alerts and border rejections, which is what drove high-profile recalls.

The problem is a process choice, not a property of Indian spices. Spices decontaminated by ETO fail; spices decontaminated by steam sterilisation and then tested do not.

How to source safely now

• —Specify steam sterilisation, not ETO or gas fumigation, in the contract.
• —Require an ETO residue test against the 0.1 mg/kg EU limit on the actual export lot.
• —Confirm the microbial spec (e.g. Salmonella absent in 25 g) is met by steam, not by a banned fumigant.
• —Keep the lab dossier tied to the consignment number.

Frequently asked

Does steam sterilisation replace ETO?

Yes. Steam sterilisation reduces microbial load without leaving a banned pesticide residue, which is why it is the compliant route for the EU and for cautious buyers everywhere.

Should I still test if the supplier says "ETO-free"?

Always. "ETO-free" is a claim; a lot-specific ETO residue report against 0.1 mg/kg is evidence. Test on arrival where the stakes justify it.