Food Safety Authorities in European Union have found hazardous chemicals in over five hundred food items imported from India.

According to Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, responsible for food safety in the European Union member countries said that ethylene oxide found in Indian spices, dry fruits and seeds,  herbs and spices and other food items.

Ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide in agriculture and a sterilizing agent, banned for food applications due to its health risks.

The report said that about eighty seven Indian consignments were rejected and swift actions are being taken to further circulate contaminated Indian food items in the market.