ASTA Responses to EPA Questions on ETO Reconditioning and Proposed Phase Out

This document is ASTA's comment letter to Maryland Senator Brian J. Feldman regarding Ethylene Oxide Prohibition. ASTA opposes Senate Bill 916, which seeks to prohibit the use of ethylene oxide on spices, expressing concerns that it would severely harm Maryland-based companies and disrupt the supply of safe spices. ASTA emphasizes the critical role of ethylene oxide in ensuring spice safety, cites the lack of viable alternatives, and notes ongoing efforts to reduce emissions in collaboration with federal and state policymakers.

This document is a letter submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to its proposed interim decision for EtO. The comments highlight the critical food safety importance of EtO for spices, and the importance of maintaining import tolerances for EtO.