Too many products contaminated by quantities of oxide higher than allowed. A situation that will require new rules at the European level.
It is neither seen nor heard, at least on a sensory level. However, ethylene oxide in exaggerated quantities can cause various problems when it is ingested. For this reason, in recent months, the Ministry of Health ordered the withdrawal of numerous products as they were deemed to contain the substance beyond the warning levels. A standard procedure were it not for the fact that, in the last year, the ministerial team and the supermarkets have ordered the withdrawal of products in a quantity well beyond the predictable. And it is not a case that only concerns our country.
In France the situation is not very dissimilar. So much so that Europe has already arranged a new policy regarding ethylene oxide, bringing the percentage allowed up to now (0.05 mg / kg) to zero. In the sense that, soon, all the products that contain this substance, even in a minimal part, will no longer be able to be sold. It should be remembered that ethylene oxide is used in the form of a pesticide and, for this reason, it can be found in the analysis of some products.
Ethylene oxide, too many products withdrawn: a new policy is ready
While the European Union rethinks the policy of tolerance with respect to the quantities of ethylene oxide, the list of products withdrawn in our country has lengthened much more than expected. Most of the time these are foods from abroad (especially from India when it comes to raw materials) but still present on our shelves. And the withdrawal strategy eventually produced a real alarm. Also because, as mentioned, having to deal with excessive quantities of ethylene oxide can lead to serious consequences: from feelings of dizziness and headache to convulsions and even strokes.
READ ALSO >>> Contaminated food, ethylene oxide strikes again: the new batches withdrawn
The withdrawn products were of various kinds. Many, however, in the last two days. These are mostly packs of yogurt present in well-known supermarket chains (for example Carrefour) which, as mentioned, work in synergy with the Ministry of Health to collect the products once they have been identified. This has not always happened in France, where some products with quantities of oxide slightly higher than allowed, instead of being withdrawn, remained on the shelves. This is why Europe is working on a new program, with the aim of eliminating the problem at its root. The complete list of products subject to recall can be viewed in the dedicated portal of the Ministry. All recalled lots, if already purchased, can be returned to the point of sale. There it will also be possible to proceed with the refund.
–
