Clove oil could cause an allergic skin reaction

McCord Research the parent company of Pinnaclife warns consumers that fruit that is protected from infestation or bacteria by an ingredient as common as clove oil could cause an allergic skin reaction.  When handling fruit to remove pesticide residue, including organic, make sure your hands are healthy (free of dryness or cracks) or wear gloves.

According to a study conducted by Dr. Prashar at the School of Biosciences in the UK and published in the August 2006 issue of Cell Proliferation, it was reported that clove oil has two major components, eugenol and beta-caryophyllene, which constitute 78% and 13% of the oil, respectively.  While clove oil and its components are generally recognized as "safe", their research reported that clove oil and eugenol are cytotoxic (kill) towards human cells at concentrations as low as 0.03%.

In a study conducted in the Department of Virology, Hygiene Institute in Germany in 2008, it was reported that concentration as low as 0.0006% of clove oil were toxic.  The study suggests that testing natural skin care and other health products that contain clove oil for toxicity is an important prerequisite.  

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently investigating the safety of clove oil as a fungicide and bactericide for use in post-harvest applications. They reported in the journal EFSA in 2012 that clove oil presents a risk to humans and waterways. Ongoing research is being conducted.

What does this mean to the consumer that is trying to make healthy choices?  Even "natural" pesticides, fungicides and bactericides may cause a health problem. The best way to make sure that such toxins do not enter the body by contact with fruit is to keep your hands healthy or wear gloves, and it is always a good idea to have a healthy immune system.