The Food and Drug Administration (BPOM RI) recalled the vanilla variant of Haagen Dazs ice cream after French health authorities announced that levels of ethylene oxide (EtO) exceeded the European Union (EU) safe threshold. The product is withdrawn until the specified time limit, while further analyzing the safety of the product spread in Indonesia.
Pharmacists from Gadjah Mada University, Dr Arief Nurrochmad Msi Msc Apt, said that ethylene oxide is a dangerous and toxic material that can cause adverse health effects. Ethylene oxide is generally used as a pesticide fumigant for food in many parts of the world, but recently experts are considering banning EtO due to concerns about residue left in food until it is consumed.
“Ethylene oxide is also used in some food products, such as ice cream, breakfast cereals, candy, or cheese, which functions as a thickening or stabilizing agent,” said Dr Arief when contacted. detik.com Friday (22/7/2022).
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“However, the use of ethylene oxide in food was attempted to be phased out worldwide and is no longer permitted for use.”
Dr. Arief explained in the long term, the effects of ethylene oxide can even increase the risk of developing cancer. The impact depends on how much exposure to ethylene oxide the body has. There are many factors that determine high levels of EtO in the body.
“It can originate endogenously through the production of bacteria in the digestive tract or systemic formation in the liver and can originate from exogenous sources such as incomplete combustion of cigarette smoke and vehicle fossil fuels,” he continued.
“Also natural processes including forest fires, ripening of fruit and vegetables, and workplace sterilization in the hospital industry. These factors can contribute to the accumulation of the amount and level of ethylene oxide in the body,” he continued.
Dr. Arief advised, for those who have already consumed the Haagen Dazs variant of ice cream containing EtO, it is better to immediately switch to similar products that meet the requirements for safe consumption and regulatory thresholds.
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(naf/naf)
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