Estimation of Ethylene Oxide and Ethylene Chlorohydrin in Sesame Seeds Using Agilent 8890 GC and 7000D Triple Quadupole MS System

Significance of the topic

The use of ethylene oxide for sterilization of oilseeds and spices can lead to residual contaminants including ethylene chlorohydrin which poses regulatory and health concerns. Rapid and reliable detection of these compounds is essential for food safety and compliance with international limits.

Objectives and overview of the study

This work demonstrates a targeted GC–MS/MS method to detect and quantify ethylene oxide and its derivative ethylene chlorohydrin in sesame seeds. The approach ensures sensitive measurement at or below regulatory maximum residue limits.

Methodology and instrumentation

• Sample conversion of ethylene oxide to ethylene chlorohydrin via acid treatment
• Liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and cleanup using QuEChERS dispersive kit
• Analysis performed on Agilent 8890 GC equipped with MMI inlet and postcolumn backflush, coupled to Agilent 7000D Triple Quadrupole MS
• GC conditions: VF-624 ms column, pulsed splitless injection, helium carrier gas, temperature program from 60 °C to 250 °C
• MS settings: electron ionization, multireaction monitoring transitions for ethylene chlorohydrin quantifier (m/z 80 → 31) and qualifiers (80 → 43, 82 → 31)

Main results and discussion

• Limit of quantitation at 10 ng/g in sesame matrix with signal-to-noise ratio > 2.9
• Linear response from 5 ng/g to 200 ng/g with correlation coefficient R2 > 0.998
• Repeatability at 50 ng/g spike level showed RSD of 1.7 % for six injections
• Recovery studies yielded approximately 100 % for ethylene chlorohydrin at 10 and 50 ng/g and 82 % for ethylene oxide at 10 ng/g using a conversion factor
• Ion ratio qualifier checks confirm specificity within regulatory tolerance

Benefits and practical applications

This method provides a fast, robust and regulatory-compliant procedure for routine quality control and research laboratories analyzing sesame seeds and similar matrices for fumigation residues.

Future trends and potential applications

• Extension to other spices and oilseed commodities
• Automation of extraction and cleanup workflows
• High-throughput integration in food safety laboratories
• Support for regulatory monitoring and border control screening

Conclusion

The developed GC–MS/MS method achieves sensitive, accurate and precise measurement of ethylene oxide and ethylene chlorohydrin in sesame seeds, meeting current regulatory requirements and supporting routine analysis.

References

1. Tateo F Benoni M Determination of Ethylene Chlorohydrin as Marker of Spices Fumigation with Ethylene Oxide JFCA 2006 19 83–87
2. Procedure for Control of Contamination of Salmonella Residues of Pesticides Including Ethylene Oxide in Sesame Seeds Indian Oil Seeds and Produce Export Promotion Council 2020