12.10.2022
New maximum levels for ochratoxin A
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. The contaminant is mainly formed during insufficient drying and improper storage of cultivated plants.
The European Contaminants Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 already stipulates maximum levels for OTA in certain product groups. Regulation (EU) 2022/1370 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 lowers maximum levels and sets new limits for the following product groups.
New maximum levels
| Foodstuffs | Maximum level (μg/kg) |
| bakery wares, cereal snacks and breakfast cereals | |
| products not containing oilseeds, nuts or dried fruit | 2.0 |
| products containing at least 20 % dried vine fruit and/or dried figs | 4.0 |
| other products containing oilseeds, nuts and/or dried fruit | 3.0 |
| non-alcoholic malt beverages | 3.0 |
| dried fruit | |
| dried figs | 8.0 |
| other dried fruit | 2.0 |
| date syrup | 15 |
| dried herbs | 10.0 |
| ginger roots for use in herbal infusions | 15 |
| marshmallow roots, dandelion roots and orange blossoms for use in herbal infusions or in coffee substitutes | 20 |
| sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, (water) melon seeds hempseeds, soybeans | 5.0 |
| pistachios to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before placing on the market for final consumer or use as ingredient in food | 10.0 |
| pistachios placed on the market for final consumer or use as ingredient in foodstuffs | 5.0 |
| cocoa powder | 3.0 |
Lowered maximum levels
| Foodstuffs | Maximum level (μg/kg) NEW |
Maximum level (μg/kg) OLD |
| dried fruit | ||
| dried vine fruit (currants, raisins and sultanas) | 8.0 | 10.0 |
| roasted coffee | ||
| roasted coffee beans and ground roasted coffee, excluding soluble coffee | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| soluble coffee (instant coffee) | 5.0 | 10.0 |
The new maximum levels apply from 01.01.2023. Food that is legally placed on the market before 01.01.2023 may remain on the market until the date of minimum durability or use-by-date.
With our highly sensitive, validated and accredited method, our experts determine ochratoxin A using HPLC fluorescence detection. In addition, we offer comprehensive analysis of mycotoxins (aflatoxins, patulin, etc.) in food.
We will be happy to advise you. Contact us for more information.
Sources:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1666003775118&uri=CELEX%3A32022R1370
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1666003861484&uri=CELEX%3A02006R1881-20220701