[News Terms] 'Ethylene Oxide' to Have EU Regulatory Tightening Lifted

'Ethylene oxide (C2H4O, Ethylene oxide)' is also called 산화에틸렌 and is a colorless compound with a characteristic sweet smell that remains in a gaseous state above its boiling point of 10.4℃.

In liquid form, it has a lower density than water, and in gaseous form, it is a toxic substance heavier than air. It dissolves easily in water and is highly reactive with various compounds. It is highly flammable, and mixtures with air are explosive, rapidly expanding when heated, causing fire and explosions.

In August 2021, 2-chloroethanol, a reaction product of ethylene oxide, was detected in Korean instant noodles exported to the European Union (EU). As a result, the strengthened ethylene oxide control measures for Korean instant noodles, which have been in effect since February last year, will be lifted starting this July.

Most of the ethylene oxide produced domestically is used in the synthesis of ethylene glycol (C2H6O2, Ethylene glycol). Ethylene glycol, also known as 'monoethylene glycol (MEG)', is the main ingredient in antifreeze. Due to its strong sterilizing and insecticidal properties, it is used as a gas sterilizer for medical instruments and packaging containers.

Ethylene oxide has toxicity and narcotic effects, with high immunogenicity and persistence, and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Contact with eyes, respiratory tract, or skin causes inflammation, and inhalation can cause symptoms such as headache, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Residual ethylene oxide accumulating in the body can cause nervous system disorders and, in severe cases, death. For this reason, its use in food processing is prohibited domestically. Countries such as the United States and Canada manage residual limits by establishing standards for its use as a fumigant and sterilizer for agricultural products.

In August 2021, 2-chloroethanol, a reaction product of ethylene oxide, was detected in Korean instant noodles exported to the European Union (EU), leading to the lifting of strengthened ethylene oxide control measures on Korean instant noodles, which had been in effect since February last year, starting this July.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety dispatched a Korean delegation to the EU Health and Food Safety Directorate-General (DG-SANTE) in November last year and April this year to explain domestic safety management policies for instant noodles, and has continuously requested a review of the strengthened ethylene oxide control measures through a video conference in June last year.