26.01.2021

Amendment to Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels for 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters and glycidol fatty acid esters in certain foodstuffs

Since 01.01.2021, in addition to the existing maximum quantity regulations for hydrolysed vegetable proteins and soy sauce, maximum quantity regulations have applied for the first time with regard to 3-MCPD and its fatty acid esters (FSE) in certain foods.


Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 was adapted by Regulation (EU) 2020/1322. In this context, the food groups to be taken into account were also extended. Vegetable oils and fats were extended by the category of fish oils and oils of other marine organisms.

The maximum levels for 3-MCPD and glycidol FSEs are now to be applied to the following food groups:

Maximum levels for:

 

Sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD-FSE, expressed as 3-MCPD

Glycidol-FSE, expressed as glycidol

Vegetable oils and fats,

for the end consumer, or for use as an ingredient

NEW

unverändert

Fish oils and oils of other marine organisms, for the final consumer, or for use as an ingredient

NEW

NEW

Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and oils of other marine organisms, for the preparation of (cereal-based) complementary foods for infants and young children

NEW

NEW: Fish oils and oils of other marine organisms

Infant formula and follow-on formula

(in powder and liquid form)

NEW

unverändert

Foods for special medical purposes for infants and young children (in powder and liquid form)

NEW

unverändert

Exception for virgin oils (e.g. virgin olive oil) here there are no requirements, as due to the virgin character (no refining) no glycidol FSE, 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD FSE should be contained.


Food businesses should be given sufficient time to adapt their production processes. Therefore, products placed on the market before 01.01.2021 can be marketed until the cut-off dates mentioned below:

Sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD-FSE, expressed as 3-MCPD

Glycidol-FSE, expressed as glycidol

 

Maximum content exceeded for products placed on the market before 01.01.2021:

Vegetable oils and fats,

for the end consumer, or for use as an ingredient

Marketing until:

è  Best before or use by date

--

Fish oils and oils of other marine organisms, for the final consumer, or for use as an ingredient

Marketing until:

è  June 30th, 2021

Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and oils of other marine organisms, for the preparation of (cereal-based) complementary foods for infants and young children

Marketing until:

è  June 30th, 2021

Infant formula and follow-on formula

(in powder and liquid form)

Marketing until:

è  June 30th, 2021

Foods for special medical purposes for infants and young children (in powder and liquid form)

Marketing until:

è  June 30th, 2021


Compound foods that are not covered by the criteria set out in Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006, such as fine bakery products, deep-fried foods, nut-nougat creams, etc., are still assessed by means of risk assessment taking into account the TDI (Tolerable daily intake, for 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD-FSE) and the MoE (Margin of Exposure; for glycidol-FSE).