Limits of contaminants in food

On 25 May 2023, Regulation (EU) 2023/915 relating to the maximum levels of certain contaminants in food comes into force, which repeals Regulation (EC) 1881/2006.

The new regulation completely replaces the previous one and lists, in Annex I, the maximum levels in foods of:

• Mycotoxins;
• Plant toxins;
• Metals;
• Halogenated persistent organic pollutants (Dioxins and PCBs, Perfluoroalkyl substances);
• Process contaminants;
• Other contaminants.

For each contaminant, the food products, both vegetable and of animal origin, for which there are limits are listed. These products cannot be placed on the market and are not used as raw materials or ingredients in foods , if they contain contaminants in a quantity exceeding the established maximum content.

Foodstuffs that meet the established maximum levels cannot be mixed with foods in which these levels are exceeded.

EU Reg. 2023/915, for the moment, maintains the maximum levels as defined by EC Reg. 1881/2006, however it reorganizes the categories of contaminants in Annex I, increasing references to EC Reg 396/2005, improves readability and avoids the numerous footnotes.

It also adds remarks to clarify the application of the limits in the various foods. (Source: https://www.ceirsa.org /)

For more information, read EU Reg. 2023/915