Analysis of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol in food

In this application note by Shimadzu, the focus is on ethylene oxide (EtO/EO), a known toxic compound with carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Despite these concerns, EtO has been extensively used in the food industry for fumigation due to its effectiveness in eliminating microbiological contamination. However, the compound undergoes reactions within food matrices, producing toxic by-products. The EU has phased out EtO use in food fumigation due to its toxicological risks, and has proposed maximum residual limits (MRLs) for EtO and its metabolite 2-chloroethanol (2-CE) in various food commodities. Recent recalls of non-compliant food products in the EU emphasize the need for quantifying EtO and 2-CE residues.

With the increase in demand for EtO detection worldwide, there is an increased need for greater laboratory capacity and relevant analysis methods to ensure food safety. In this note, Shimadzu introduces an analysis of EtO with QuEChERS and the GCMS-TQ8050 NX, which is equipped with the AOC-20i and AOC-20s for automation capabilities to meet the requirement for higher throughput and faster turnaround times.