US trade body ASTA says spices treated with Ethylene Oxide (ETO) is safe for consumption

The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) has declared that it's safe to consume spices treated with ethylene oxide (ETO). This came after a few products from MDH and Everest's line-up of spice mixes were flagged for excessive ETO. The American Trade Body stated that both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have concluded that consumption of spices treated with ethylene oxide (ETO) is safe.

The ASTA reached out to the Spices Board of India to offer clarification on ETO and food safety regulations pertaining to spices imported into the United States. The letter stated that ethylene oxide is currently permitted for use on spices in the US "and prohibiting this critical treatment method has the potential to result in serious unintended implications regarding compliance of Indian spices with US food safety regulations." It further stated that ethylene oxide is an approved antimicrobial fumigant in the US.

The statement from American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) affirms the claims made by the brands. As per a Reuters report, the representatives of the brands had also recently stated that the use of their products is safe.