24.03.2022

Verification of authenticity in food of animal origin

In 2021, various meat products and dairy products were examined in the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Offices (CVUA) of Baden-Württemberg with regard to the declared animal species. The samples came from the catering industry, the trade and directly from food manufacturers.

22.02.2022

Update - Maximum levels for vitamins and minerals

The European Union (EU) has wanted to set standard maximum levels for vitamins and minerals for years. Until today, however, the EU member states have not been able to agree on uniform values. In the meantime, the discussions have been resumed.

22.02.2022

ECJ judgement - Chocolate powder = chocolate in powder form?

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in the case of milk chocolate desserts with hazelnuts, which were marketed in the Czech Republic. The list of ingredients of the milk chocolate desserts with hazelnuts included the ingredient "chocolate in powder form". However, the composition of this ingredient was not further defined.

22.02.2022

Updated guidance values for mineral oil hydrocarbons in foodstuffs

There are no legally binding national or European maximum levels for mineral oil hydrocarbons in food. In 2019, orientation values for mineral oils in food, which were developed by the Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft Verbraucherschutz (LAV) together with the Lebensmittelverband Deutschland e.V., were published for the first time.

16.04.2021

Updated exposure assessment of inorganic arsenic (iAs)

Arsenic is a ubiquitous semimetal. Its occurrence can be natural (a component of minerals), but it can also be influenced by various human activities (mining, burning fossil fuels). Arsenic can be in organic or inorganic form. Both compounds are toxic, with inorganic arsenic (iAs), which is predominantly found in soil, being the more toxic form. Inorganic arsenic is classified as a carcinogen. Other chronic effects of arsenic have been associated with, for example, skin lesions or cardiovascular disease.[1]