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About Ethylene Oxide:
- Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, ethylene oxide is a pesticide used by the spice industry to reduce microbial contamination.
- It is a colourless, highly flammable, and reactive gas known for its bactericidal properties.
Health Implications:
- Ethylene oxide can damage DNA during sterilization procedures, posing a risk of cancer and other health issues.
- Chronic exposure, even at low levels, can increase the risk of cancers like leukemia, stomach cancer, and breast cancer, along with respiratory and gastrointestinal issues.
Bans on Ethylene Oxide:
- The European Union (EU) banned ethylene oxide for fumigation of food and animal feed in 2011, permitting its use only for disinfection and sterilization of medical devices.
Why in news
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is investigating the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in powdered spice mixes sold in India.
- Hong Kong and Singapore withdrew spice mixes from Indian manufacturers, MDH and Everest, due to high levels of the carcinogen ethylene oxide.
