ZASTUPLJENOST ETILEN OKSIDA (EtO) U HRANI BILJNOG PODRIJETLA NA PODRUČJU BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE I REGIONA
OCCURRENCE OF ETHYLENE OXIDE (EtO) IN PLANT-ORIGIN FOOD IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AND THE REGION

Summary/Abstract: Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a cyclic ether with three atoms, a colorless toxic gas that is easily flammable and forms an explosive mixture with air. It is primarily used as an intermediate in the chemical industry and for the sterilization of medical and food products. It acts as a fumigant for food and textiles processing and for the sterilization of sensitive medical equipment. Due to its high reactivity, ethylene oxide has the ability to destroy bacteria, molds, and fungi in gaseous form. However, its use in low-temperature sterilization poses challenges due to potential health hazards for exposed individuals. Research on the toxicity of ethylene oxide, especially regarding its carcinogenicity, comes from epidemiological and experimental studies. Following an interpretative approach, this study utilizes academic and gray sources, including data from the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), to inform a critical evaluation of current EU legislation on non-animal origin foods and related administrative structures and monitoring programs. Plant-based foods, crucial for sustainable diets, are particularly investigated, and their consumption is likely to increase. Within the EU, food varies in terms of official controls, and the research focuses on product recall cases due to the presence of ethylene oxide from 2020 to 2023. The study analyzes food safety issues in the European Union with a special emphasis on the presence of ethylene oxide in food products, especially of plant origin. In the European Union, the issue of product recalls due to the presence of ethylene oxide has become significant, with a total of 827 notifications of food distribution contaminated with ethylene oxide in the EU during the period from 2020 to 2023. The highest number of notifications was in 2021 (373 cases), while the lowest was in 2023 (18 cases). The first notification of the presence of ethylene oxide was recorded on September 9, 2020, and by the end of 2020, there were 343 notifications, all related to plant-based food. Out of a total of 827 notifications, 11 (1.33%) were related to Bosnia and Herzegovina, 72 (8.70%) to Croatia, 22 (2.66%) to Serbia, while the remaining 723 (87.42%) were related to other EU countries. In the countries of interest, 79 different food items were covered by recalls, with 53 (67.08%) being of plant origin. Most of the food items originating from countries of interest were from India (62.26%). Analysis categorized by types of notifications shows that Croatia has the highest number of notifications, distributions, and food items of Croatian origin where ethylene oxide was found. The increased number of product recalls due to the presence of ethylene oxide poses a serious challenge for the European Union and its member states, especially in 2021. Collaboration between member states in sharing information and harmonizing regulations is crucial to addressing this global issue. The EU aims to ensure a high level of protection of human life, health, and consumer interests, and food companies are responsible for implementing effective risk-based monitoring programs to ensure product safety.

• Details
• Contents