News
Mar 11, 2026 - Foods
Reevaluation of 2-chloroethanol by the BfR
On February 27, 2026, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) re-evaluated chloroethanol (2-CE). In doing so, both mutagenicity and toxicological thresholds such as ARfD (acute reference dose) and ADI (acceptable daily intake) were considered.
2-Chloroethanol is a degradation product of ethylene oxide, which is used as a sterilizing agent, among other things for containers. Ethylene oxide itself is relatively unstable, which is why it can rarely be detected in products. In contrast, its degradation product 2-CE can be repeatedly found in food. Due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, the use of ethylene oxide in food production is prohibited in the EU.
Unlike ethylene oxide, there is very limited, contradictory toxicological data on its main degradation product 2-chloroethanol. Therefore, it has been classified similarly to ethylene oxide up to now.
However, after evaluating new data, the BfR concludes that "relevant genetic damage from exposure to 2-CE through food is unlikely. At the same time, it is stated that further data is required for a definitive assessment to make a final evaluation. The following provisional reference values for 2-chloroethanol are proposed by the BfR:
- ARfD: 0.13 mg/kg bw
- ADI: 0.02 mg/kg bw/day
From the re-evaluation of 2-chloroethanol by the BfR, it emerges, in our view, primarily that the previous practice of using the ethylene oxide threshold to assess 2-chloroethanol results is not proportionate. The setting of maximum residue levels for 2-chloroethanol is also deemed possible by the BfR and, in our view, is useful for further evaluation of existing levels of 2-CE in food.
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