EU
European Union
Ethylene oxide, Salmonella, MRLs
Ethylene oxide is not approved in the EU, so residues must be below the limit of quantification. Sesame from India has also faced border checks for Salmonella.
Sesame & ETO testing
Sesame seed testing for ethylene oxide, Salmonella and residues
We test natural and hulled sesame seeds for ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol, Salmonella, pesticide residues, aflatoxin and quality, so your shipment meets EU, US and buyer requirements.
Sesame seed testing lab
What is sesame seed testing?
Sesame seed testing is the laboratory analysis of sesame for ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol residues, Salmonella, pesticide residues, aflatoxin and quality parameters, to show a lot meets export and buyer requirements.
In 2020, ethylene oxide residues found in Indian sesame led to large recalls in Europe, and sesame has been under close watch at EU borders since then. Ethylene oxide, Salmonella and pesticide residues are now standard checks for sesame exporters.
Accurate Universal Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. tests natural, hulled and roasted sesame seeds and sesame products for these risks, using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS for residues and our microbiology section for Salmonella.
Shipping sesame soon?
Test before the container is sealed, not after a rejection at the port.
Why sesame testing matters
Sesame is under close watch at the border
Ethylene oxide, Salmonella and residues have caused repeated notifications for sesame. A clean pre-shipment report protects your shipment, your buyer and your reputation.
Testing parameters
Sesame seed tests
These are the tests sesame buyers and importing countries ask for most often.
- ETO+ 2-chloroethanol
- Salmonellatesting
- 600+pesticides in scope
| Test | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol | Banned fumigant; EU limit set as the sum of both, expressed as ethylene oxide |
| Salmonella | Pathogen check required by many buyers and border controls |
| Pesticide residues | Residue limits in the EU, US and other markets |
| Aflatoxins | Mycotoxin limits for oilseeds |
| Purity and admixture | Buyer specification for cleaned and hulled seed |
| Moisture | Storage stability and contract specification |
| Oil content and free fatty acids | Value and freshness of the seed |
Get a quote for sesame testing
Share the product, lot size and destination. We'll confirm the tests and send an itemised quotation.
Requirements by market
What sesame buyers check
Requirements differ by destination. These are the main focus areas.
US
United States
FDA and buyer requirements
Salmonella and residue testing are commonly required by US importers.
ASIA
Asia and Middle East
Importing-country rules
Markets such as Japan, Korea and the Gulf apply their own residue lists. We confirm the current requirement for your shipment.
How it works
From sesame lot to export report in five steps
- Step 1
Share your requirement
Tell us the product, purpose and market. We recommend the right tests and send a quotation.
- Step 2
Send the sample or book pickup
Courier a sealed sample to our Ahmedabad or Rajkot laboratory, or book a sample pickup.
- Step 3
Laboratory analysis
Residues are measured on GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, and Salmonella is tested in our microbiology section.
- Step 4
Accredited report
Results compared with the EU, US or buyer limit you choose.
- Step 5
Technical support
Our team explains the results and advises on next steps if a value is out of limit.
Industries we serve
Supporting the sesame trade
We test sesame for every part of the supply chain.
- Sesame exporters
- Hulling & sortex units
- Sesame traders
- Oil mills
- Tahini & paste makers
- Bakery & snack brands
- Importers & buyers
- Inspection agencies
Not sure what your buyer needs?
Send us the buyer's specification or destination and we'll build the test plan.
FAQs
Sesame Seed & ETO Testing: common questions
What is ethylene oxide and why is it tested in sesame?
Ethylene oxide (ETO) is a fumigant used to kill microbes. It is not approved for food use in the EU. Residues found in Indian sesame in 2020 led to large recalls, so ETO testing became a standard requirement for sesame exports.
What is the EU limit for ethylene oxide in sesame?
In the EU, the residue is defined as the sum of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol, expressed as ethylene oxide, and must be below the limit of quantification for sesame seeds. We confirm the current limit for your product before testing.
Do you test 2-chloroethanol as well?
Yes. Ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol are tested together by GC-MS/MS and reported as required by the EU residue definition.
Which other tests do sesame exporters need?
Salmonella, pesticide residues and aflatoxin are the most common, along with purity, moisture and oil content for the buyer's contract.
How much does sesame and ETO testing cost?
The cost depends on the tests required. Share your product, destination and buyer specification and we will send an itemised quotation.
Is Accurate Universal Laboratories accredited for this testing?
Yes. Our Ahmedabad laboratory is accredited by NABL to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (certificate TC-5021) and our Rajkot laboratory under certificate TC-7988. The tests and products covered are listed in our scope of accreditation, and we confirm whether your parameters are within scope before testing.
Still have a question about sesame testing?
Talk to our export testing team about limits, sampling or a failed result.
Related services
Tests that often go with sesame testing
Get a quotation
Looking for reliable sesame and ETO testing?
Tell us the product, destination and buyer specification. We'll reply with the right tests and an itemised quotation.
- Call us+91 90330 44571
- WhatsAppChat with our team
- Emailinfo@accurateuniversal.com
- Accredited test report
- Clear guidance on the right tests
- Support from our technical team
Standards and regulatory references
- EU Pesticides Database – maximum residue levels
- Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 – official controls on imports
- IOPEPC – Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council
Standards and limits change; we confirm the current requirements for your product and market at the time of testing.