Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is among the most widely produced chemicals globally, primarily utilized as an intermediate in the manufacturing of essential compounds such as mono-, di-, tri-, and polyethylene glycols, ethanolamines, and glycol ethers. These derivatives are crucial for producing polymers like PET, surfactants, modified polysaccharides (e.g., hydroxyethyl cellulose), and flame retardants such as TCEP.

Current Concerns
EtO is a colorless gas with a sweet, ether-like odor and is extensively used to sterilize medical equipment that cannot withstand heat. Despite its usefulness, EtO is hazardous to health. Upon contact with food matrices, EtO can undergo chemical reactions, forming by-products like ethylene glycol and 2-chloroethanol (2-CE), which may further react with fatty acids, amino acids, and other components. These by-products, including 2-CE esters and hydroxy-ethyl adducts, persist in the food and serve as indicators of EtO contamination.

Regulatory bodies such as the EPA have declared EtO a human carcinogen. Chronic exposure is associated with cancers, reproductive disorders, and neurological effects. Due to increased scrutiny and regulatory pressure globally, including legal actions and community concerns near industrial units, the demand for reliable detection and control mechanisms has become critical.

Why EtO Testing Is Essential

• Health Hazards: EtO and 2-CE are classified as carcinogenic and reprotoxic, even at trace levels.

• Regulatory Enforcement: As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, EtO use in food is prohibited. The European Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/868 sets strict MRLs for EtO and 2-CE residues across various food categories.

• Product Integrity: Ensuring that consumer products meet safety and compliance standards is essential for brand trust and export eligibility.

• Environmental & Occupational Safety: Continuous monitoring protects not just consumers, but also workers and surrounding ecosystems.

MRLs for EtO (Sum of EtO + 2-CE) Under EU Regulation:

Key Requirements for Effective EtO Detection:

1. Ultra-Low Detection Limits: Instruments must detect trace amounts to meet global MRL standards.

2. Reliability & Precision: Accurate results are crucial for compliance and consumer safety.

3. Real-Time & Routine Monitoring: Especially important in industrial environments to detect leaks promptly.

4. Standard-Compliant Methods: Detection protocols must align with national and international benchmarks.

5. Ease of Operation & Affordability: Systems should be practical for use across all facility sizes.

Our Capabilities at SIMA Labs
SIMA Labs offers advanced EtO testing using state-of-the-art GC-MS/MS (Triple Quadrupole) technology, capable of detecting ethylene oxide and its by-products down to LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg across diverse food and chemical matrices. Our rigorous protocols ensure reliability, speed, and compliance with the highest industry standards.

Partner with SIMA Labs
Choose SIMA Labs for trusted, comprehensive, and regulatory-compliant ethylene oxide detection. Safeguard your products, your consumers, and your reputation with precision-driven testing solutions.

At SIMA Labs, we offer high-precision testing services to verify the quality, purity, and authenticity of saffron—commonly known as “red gold.” With its premium value and wide-ranging applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, authentic saffron is essential for both consumer safety and brand integrity. Our advanced analytical techniques detect adulteration and assess product quality, helping you meet regulatory requirements and market expectations with confidence.

Why Is Saffron Testing Important?

Saffron, obtained from the Crocus sativus flower, is frequently subject to adulteration using artificial colorants, plant-based fillers, or low-grade substitutes—practices that compromise its quality and pose health risks. SIMA Labs ensures your saffron products meet both domestic and international quality benchmarks, protecting consumers and strengthening your market credibility.

Key Testing Parameters

Our saffron analysis follows internationally recognized standards such as IS 5453 and ISO 3632, covering:

• Safranal – Aroma assessment

• Crocin (Coloring Strength) – Color quality indicator

• Picrocrocin (Bitterness) – Taste quality measure

• Solubility in Water and Alcohol

• Moisture Content & Total Ash

• Total Nitrogen (Protein Content)

• Extraneous Matter

• Floral Waste & Plant Debris

• Crude Fiber

Why Choose SIMA Labs?

• NABL Accredited Laboratory: Trusted for accuracy and reliability

• Advanced Instrumentation: Equipped with state-of-the-art technology

• Domain Expertise: A skilled team with in-depth knowledge of spice and saffron analysis

• Regulatory Alignment: Testing as per FSSAI, ISO, and Codex standards

• Fast Turnaround: Detailed, prompt reports to support quality assurance and export needs

• Physical & General Analysis (extraneous matter (organic & inorganic), insects & molds, living & dead insects, rodent contamination, insect fragments, added colouring matter, etc.)
• Chemical Analysis (sulfites (as SO2), phosphates (as phosphorus), moisture, volatile oil content (dry basis), ash (dry basis), ash insoluble in dil. HCl (dry basis), mineral oil, etc.)
• Nutritional Analysis & Labelling (energy, protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol, etc.)
• Fatty acid profile (SFA, MUFA and PUFA) & Trans fatty acids
• Naturally Occurring Toxic Substances (Agaric acid, Hydrocyanic acid, Hypercine and Safrole)
• Vitamins (A, B2)
• Minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, etc.)
• Mycotoxins (total aflatoxin, aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, etc.)
• Heavy metal residues (lead, tin, arsenic, copper, cadmium, etc.)
• Melamine
• Additives (ascorbyl palmitate, acesulfame K, BHA, BHT, neotame, sorbates, etc.)
• Pesticide Residues
• Shelf life Testing
• Microbiological parameters (total plate count, total coliform count, yeast and mould count, salmonella and shigella, E. coli, etc.)
• Molecular Testing
• Allergens (celery, mollusc, milk, egg, fish, etc.)
• GMO Testing
• Test for active Components (Qualitative)
• Particle size analysis
• MCPDs and GE Testing
• Food Application and recipe engineering
• Radioactive residues
• Steroids and Hormone Testing
• Sensory Evaluation
• Dioxins, PCBs, PAHs & Furans