ETO sterilization for spice

There are three types of sterilization for spice(ethylene oxide sterilization )(EtO, gamma, steam) :

with eo gas(eto sterilization)– spices treated with ethylene oxide (EtO) ,

with irradiation– spices treated with radiation (e.g. gamma rays, x-rays),
with steam(high temperature,and water steam).

advantage-and-disadvantage-between-eto-sterilization-irradiation-and-steam-in-spice-sterilization

1. Ethylene oxide sterilization (ETO)exposes the product to ETO gas under controlled conditions in a sealed chamber, to kill bacteria in the product.

優點：這是一種性價比高、應用廣泛的殺菌方式，已經常見很多年了，買了機器就可以自己殺菌，成本很便宜。體積大（1-36托盤）（一次約1-35噸香料，取決於香料的密度）
缺點：ETO 是一種受到嚴格監管的氣體。並且會比其他兩種滅菌方式花費更多的時間（可以安裝預熱室和曝氣室來解決這個問題）。

2. Irradiation exposes the product to gamma rays or electron beam radiation to sterilize it.
advantage: Most effective method and no chemicals are used in this process
Disadvantages: expensive price, will cause damage to the package, and public pressure due to the negative connotations of radiation has resulted in specific labeling requirements to disclose that the product is irradiated. That can be unappealing to consumers.

3. Steam sterilization is a process that uses hot steam in a controlled environment to heat the product.
advantage: No chemicals or radiation are used in this process.
disadvantage: high temperature, and if any moisture is introduced to the product, it can result in caking and molding, and change the color and flavor of spice.