--- title: Do we test our ingredients for Ethylene Oxide (ETO)? description: We regularly risk assess all our products during the approval process, this includes the risk of ETO. --- [Skip to content](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base/do-we-test-ethylene-oxide#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Customer portal](https://support.cambridgecommodities.com/tickets-view?hsLang=en) ![CC logo purple tag.png\]](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/CC%20logo%20purple%20tag.png?width=115&height=41&name=CC%20logo%20purple%20tag.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Customer portal](https://support.cambridgecommodities.com/tickets-view) - [Visit our website](https://www.cambridgecommodities.com/home.htm) [Visit our website](https://www.cambridgecommodities.com/home.htm) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Technical Knowledgebase](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 2. [Quality Documentation](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base/quality-documentation?hsLang=en) # Do we test our ingredients for Ethylene Oxide (ETO)? ## We regularly risk assess all our products during the approval process, this includes the risk of ETO. ### **Regulatory Context** - In the EU, the use of ETO in food additives is prohibited under **Regulation (EU) 231/2012**, which also sets stringent **Maximum Residue Levels (MRL)**. For food additives, the MRL is defined as the "sum of ethylene oxide and 2-chloro-ethanol expressed in ethylene oxide" and is set at **0.1 mg/kg** (amended under Regulation (EU) 2022/1396). - MRLs for certain food products vary by category and are outlined in **Regulation (EU) No 2015/868**. - The prohibition reflects the lack of safe health-based guidance values and the risks associated with ETO exposure. ### **Why ETO Testing Is Necessary** In **September 2020**, the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (**RASFF**) reported contamination of sesame seeds originating from India. Subsequent investigations confirmed ETO contamination in other materials such as plant-based, mineral origin, and food additives from multiple countries. These events highlight the need for stringent monitoring to safeguard consumers. --- ### **Our Approach to ETO Testing** #### **Risk-Based Testing** Cambridge Commodities employs a **risk-based testing strategy** to manage the potential for ETO contamination effectively: - **High-Risk Ingredients:** Testing is prioritised for high-risk products, especially those of natural origin or newly approved/reapproved materials. - **Customer Requests:** Non-high-risk products are tested upon specific customer request. Testing is conducted in well-known, **accredited laboratories** in the UK or EU. These laboratories utilise **GC-MS/MS methods**, which are highly reliable and meet current regulatory standards. #### **Approval Process** Our robust approval process, detailed in **QM07.SOP08**, ensures comprehensive risk assessment at every stage: - **Country of Origin:** Analysing the material's source and country of origin. - **Horizon Scanning:** Monitoring industry trends and emerging risks. - **Supplier Assurance:** Regularly reassessing supplier practices and goods assurance processes. - **Shipping Conditions:** Evaluating transport conditions for potential contamination risks. - **Product Analysis:** Conducting specific analysis for high-risk materials. - **Reassessment:** Triggering re-evaluation in response to positive detections or changes in any of the above factors. #### **Supplier Cooperation** We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that: - Products are **EU and UK compliant**. - ETO is not used at any stage of production, processing, or transport. We will continue monitoring the risk associated with Ethylene Oxide contamination. [Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Statement](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/hubfs/Cambridge%20Commodities%20ETO%20statement%20v3.pdf?hsLang=en) ### Free from Ethylene Oxide Confirmation Confirmation that a product does not contain Ethylene oxide (ETO) can be found on the product technical dossier in the *Additives / Contaminants / Dietary Requirements / Intolerances* table. ![](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-2.png?width=688&height=109&name=image-png-2.png) - [FAQs](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base/faqs?hsLang=en) - [General](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base/general?hsLang=en) - [Support](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base/support?hsLang=en) - [Quality Documentation](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base/quality-documentation?hsLang=en) - [Quality and Food Safety Management](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base/quality-and-food-safety-management?hsLang=en) - [Environmental Social Governance](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base/environmental-social-governance?hsLang=en) - [Feed](https://knowledge.cambridgecommodities.com/en/knowledge-base/feed?hsLang=en) Cambridge Assured® Quality Copyright © 2025, Cambridge Commodities