Department of Health, Taipei City Government

As an endeavor in food safety for chilled desserts, the Department of Health, Taipei City Government announces the results of ethylene oxide (EtO) detection in 2023. Of the 31 chilled dessert products examined, all were found to be compliant.

Due to recent international advisories on EtO and the reports of EtO residue in established local brands, the Department of Health, Taipei City Government took initiative for consumer protection by launching the “2023 Chilled Dessert Ethylene Oxide Detection Program” in May 2023, and deploying GC-MS/MS detection technology based on guidance from “Method of Test for Pesticide Residues in Foods: Test of Ethylene Oxide” announced by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Ice cream, soft serve ice cream, ice cream bars, sundae and popsicle product samples were obtained from supermarkets, convenience stores and chilled dessert retailers. EtO was not detected in any of the sampled products.

Ethylene oxide (C2H4O, EtO) is an artificially synthesized flammable gas used for medical device sterilization, and in some countries, approved as a fumigant to kill insects or as an industrial disinfectant to kill bacteria. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen (carcinogenic to humans) based on extensive human epidemiological evidence. Long-term exposure can increase the risks of hematological neoplasms such as leukemia or lymphoma, and can potentially cause central or peripheral nervous system diseases.

In its advice to food manufacturers, the Department of Health, Taipei City Government states that EtO has not been approved for pesticide or food disinfectant purposes in Taiwan. Business owners are to maintain good operational discipline, achieve raw material and final product compliance to the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation by detecting any pesticide, animal drug or contaminant residue, exercising supplier management, safeguarding the safety and sanitation of procured materials, and ensuring the sanitation, quality and safety of the resulting food products, and to remember that health and wellness of the people is the wellspring of business success.