A. Tsakalidis Inc.
12, Tsamadou street
GR-18531 Piraeus
T. +30 210 41 75 865
F. +30 210 41 72 895
info@tsakalidislabs.gr
www.tsakalidislabs.gr
G.E.MI. No: 54730809000
12/11/2020
Presence of EtO-Ethylene Oxide in Indian sesame - The ongoing food crisis
Ethylene oxide is a colorless and odorless gas used mainly for disinfection of medical equipment from bacteria and fungi and has been classed as a mutagen, a carcinogen, and a reproductive toxicant.
The notification was first made by Belgium in early September and there are currently over 50 notifications from France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Austria, Norway and Sweden. The food crisis is ongoing as contaminated seeds have also been shipped to Andorra, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, , Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Non-compliant batches of sesame have been used in a range of products, such as cereals, salads, chocolate, cookies, bread, crackers, sesame oil, bagels, Asian dishes, etc. and controls have been extended to them as well.
Our laboratory, always following the market developments and needs, offers you the determination of Ethylene oxide in sesame and finished products, according to legislation in force. Additionally, we can offer you the detection of Salmonella spp in sesame with an accredited method, as the above mentioned legislation indicates the increased risk of Salmonella presence in sesame originating in India, Nigeria, Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia.
We are always at your disposal for further clarifications.
