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What is ETO（Ethylene Oxide）？

What is ETO（Ethylene Oxide）？
Ethylene oxide (other names: Oxirane, Epoxyethane), chemical formula C2H4O, common abbreviations: EO, EtO, ETO, is a colorless, flammable, toxic gaseous organic compound with a boiling point of 10.6°C. Because of its low boiling point, it evaporates rapidly after application and reacts with chlorine or chloride ions in the environment to form 2-chloroethanol. According to the European Union (EC) 396/2005 on maximum allowable residues of pesticides in foods and feedstuffs of animal and plant origin, ethylene oxide is defined as the sum of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol, and is calculated as ethylene oxide.

What can ETO be used for?
Ethylene oxide is capable of destroying most viruses, bacteria and fungi, including bacterial spores. Because of this characteristic, it is often used in hospitals to sterilize medical equipment and equipment; it can be used as a fumigant in agriculture to remove mold, bacteria and insects from grains, tobacco and spices, so as to prevent food and crops from spoiling. In some countries It is allowed to be used for disinfection of agricultural products, food and spices.

What are the hazards of ethylene oxide? The attitude of EU countries towards ethylene oxide.
Ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1 carcinogen). The European Union considers its toxicity and is currently not allowed to be used in food, and has not been approved as an active substance (pesticide active substance) in plant protection products. However, since September 2020, the EU RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) system has received multiple notifications of ethylene oxide food contamination.

The attitude of EU countries towards ethylene oxide.

According to the FAQ about ethylene oxide released by the German BfR in June 2022, ethylene oxide has mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, so it may be genotoxic or carcinogenic, and is known as a "carcinogen without threshold", Although international government agencies have described and explained the inhalation hazards of ethylene oxide in the workplace and the environment, the current research is still unable to determine the amount of ingestion without health risks. Because of this, the European Union and other countries do not currently Foods with residual ethylene oxide are not welcome.

Benepure is always working hard for human health!

Recently, Benepure has tested the Ethylene Oxide of Rutin. Based on the test result by Eurofins, Benepure’s Rutin comply with the new regulation for natural ingredients exported to EU. Our quality and service are worthy of your trust.



We hereby declare that Ethylene Oxide (ETO) and its metabolite 2-chloroethanol will not be used in the manufacturing, sterilization or packing process of the product. The product can be matched with the requirements of ETO residuals on Eu Reg 868/2015.

Benepure, your first choice for health solutions!



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