Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Fumigated spices
Some imported spices (e.g., turmeric, curry blends) are fumigated with ethylene oxide for microbial control; residues detected in EU testing.
Also known as: spice fumigation, ethylene oxide spice
What this does NOT mean
Finding a factor documented in this product category does not establish that ordinary use of fumigated spices causes cancer. It means research — through regulatory testing, recall records, or IARC review — has found that chemical present in this category. Whether it matters for you depends on formulation, dose, frequency, and route of exposure.
What has been documented
- Ethylene oxideIARC Group 1IARC Group 1Contains · high confidence
Ethylene oxide residues detected in many imported spices; EU issued Rapid Alert notifications throughout 2020-2024.
Evidence source: EU Rapid Alert System (RASFF)
How to read this page
A factor appearing on this page means it has been documented in this product category — through EPA / FDA testing, IARC monographs, or regulatory recall records. Whether it presents a meaningful personal risk depends on the specific formulation, dose, and how you're exposed. Click any factor to read what science actually says about it, and where.