ETHYLENE OXIDE IN GROCERIES: A GROWING CONCERN FOR NAMIBIAN CONSUMERS

We've all noticed how the average apple in any grocery store can sit on the shelf for months, even over a year, without showing any signs of mold or fungus. This is because apples are often treated with ethylene oxide (EO), a gas that helps preserve them during transport, usually from thousands of miles away. Ethylene oxide, a colorless, flammable gas, is used to sterilize food by killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While effective, EO is also toxic, classified as a carcinogen and mutagen. Its potential to harm human health is a significant concern, leading to bans in certain regions, such as the European Union, where its use has been prohibited since 1991.


Global Incidents Highlighting EO Contamination

In recent years, global incidents have highlighted the risks associated with EO contamination in food:

- Sesame Seed Contamination (2020): Belgium alerted the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) about sesame seeds from India that contained EO levels exceeding EU limits. This led to a massive recall across Europe, underscoring the challenges of detecting EO in imported food.

- Indian Spices Recall (2024): In April 2024, Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety found carcinogenic EO in Indian spice blends, prompting recalls from brands like Everest and MDH. India, a major spice exporter, faced international scrutiny, with authorities suggesting alternative sterilization methods.

Though Namibia has not yet experienced major EO contamination incidents, the global nature of food trade means that Namibian consumers could unknowingly be exposed to products treated with ethylene oxide. Awareness of the potential risks is essential to ensuring public health safety.


Health Implications of Ethylene Oxide

EO exposure is linked to a range of serious health issues:

- Carcinogenicity: Prolonged exposure to EO has been associated with an increased risk of cancers, particularly affecting white blood cells and breast tissue.

- Mutagenicity: EO can cause genetic mutations, leading to potential health complications down the line.

- Reproductive Toxicity: There are concerns that EO could negatively impact reproductive health, potentially contributing to infertility or other fertility-related problems.


How to Minimize Exposure to Ethylene Oxide

While there’s a lot of information out there, the best way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like EO is by making mindful choices as consumers:

1. Support Local Agriculture: Opting for locally grown produce significantly lowers the chances of contamination. Purchasing from local farmers markets or farm shops gives consumers the ability to ask about cultivation and preservation methods, ensuring better transparency and food safety.

2. Buy Seasonal and Preserve: Purchasing fruits and vegetables in season and preserving them (by freezing or canning) allows for a more sustainable and safe food supply. This practice helps avoid reliance on long-distance imports, which may be treated with harmful chemicals.

3. Home Gardening: If possible, consider growing your own produce. Even in limited spaces, container gardening or raised beds can help ensure fresh, chemical-free fruits and vegetables, reducing dependency on potentially contaminated store-bought goods.


Systemic Measures for Food Safety

Beyond individual actions, systemic approaches are crucial to ensuring the safety of food supplies:

- Regulating Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs): Government bodies should establish stringent regulations regarding the maximum allowable residues of EO in food, aligned with international safety standards.

- Routine Monitoring and Testing: Regular testing of imported food items can help detect any EO contamination before they reach consumers.

- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating consumers about the risks associated with EO and how to minimize exposure empowers people to make informed decisions and advocate for healthier food practices.


The Bigger Picture

Despite the increasing rates of diseases, allergies, obesity, and even cancer, there seems to be little public discourse on the dangers lurking in our food. Instead, the media focuses on trivial distractions, what celebrities are doing, or conspiracy theories about sports teams. It’s a form of smoke and mirrors, designed to divert attention from the things that truly matter. We are being misled, and the truth about our food supply is often buried.

It's vital that we stay vigilant and aware of what’s really happening in our food system. While the situation may not yet be dire in Namibia, the global food trade means that we must take action to protect ourselves and future generations from harmful substances like ethylene oxide.


Bottom Line

Supporting local agriculture, preserving seasonal produce, and growing your own food are all crucial steps toward reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in our food supply. In parallel, advocating for stronger regulatory measures and raising awareness about the dangers of food contamination can help ensure a safer, healthier future. Always stay informed, because the choices we make today impact our health tomorrow.


Gideon Kapuka is a researcher, writer and business consultant; gideonkapuka5@gmail.com

Location: Windhoek, Namibia

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