Detection of residual ethylene oxide and epichlorohydrin in foodstuffs using automated multi-step enrichment–headspace–trap with GC–MS/MS

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is an industrial chemical that is used as a reactive intermediate in the production of detergents and fibers, but also as a fumigant to eliminate insects and bacteria from a range of dried foodstuffs.

In this application note, Markes International describes the use of multi-step enrichment with headspace–trap (MSE–HS–trap) and GC–MS/MS for the detection of residual fumigant compounds ethylene oxide (EtO) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) in chilli, groundnut and turmeric.