Ethylene oxide residues in spices, herbs, and related processed foods

This study investigated ethylene oxide (EO) residues, using 2-chloroethanol (2-CE) as the proxy compound, in spices, herbs, and related processed foods through market surveillance in Singapore. Residues were analysed using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) after modified QuEChERS sample extraction, to achieve highly sensitive and selective detection of 2-CE residues. Ten out of 53 spice and herb samples contained 2-CE residues ranging from 11 to 885 mg/kg and 8 out of 106 chilli and seasoning packets in instant noodle products contained 2-CE residues ranging from 16 to 186 mg/kg, while 44 samples of these product categories showed 2-CE residues between LOQ and 2 mg/kg. The remaining samples were found with 2-CE less than the LOQ. Test findings from this study highlight the need for strict monitoring and surveillance programs to ensure regulatory compliance concerning EO residues in raw food commodities and finished products.