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

This document is a letter submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to questions raised by the agency on the use patterns and importance of food safety of ethylene oxide (EtO). The document also outlines the transition timeline required for the spice industry to move away from the use of EtO to treat spices.

This document is an archived letter from ASTA to EPA regarding EPA's “Ethylene Oxide Risk from Commercial Sterilizers” Communications. The letter expresses concerns to Administrator Regan about inaccurate language on the EPA website regarding the risk of commercial sterilizers using ethylene oxide on spices. ASTA requests the immediate correction of these inaccuracies, emphasizing the industry's commitment to reducing emissions while ensuring the safety of spices for American consumers.