Nov 3rd, 2021
2 mins
On October 25th, we reported that the FSA had written to Local Authorities (LAs) relating to Ethylene Oxide (EtO) residues detected in xanthan gum and informing of the actions to be taken.
On the back of this, we contacted the FSA to highlight to them that currently, there are NO laboratories in the UK accredited to test for EtO. This will obviously have an impact on how effectively and quickly products can be identified and withdrawn from the market.
In light of this, the BFFF would recommend in the first instance trying to get assurance from the suppliers of the ingredient in question as although accredited testing facilities are available in the EU, exporting samples to the EU is proving extremely difficult and fraught with problems.
The FSA’s Scientific Sampling and Laboratory Policy (SSLP) Team have responded to our communications and have confirmed that conversations have been occurring with Fera who have confirmed that they will be offering an EtO method commercially soon (within the next few weeks).
