03.02.2023

What changes with the revised European Contaminants Regulation?

Contaminants were one of the main causes of food recalls last year.

Whether naturally occurring contaminants such as mycotoxins and pyrrolizidine alkaloids or process contaminants such as acrylamide, 3-MCPD and MOSH/MOAH - the variety of contaminants is immense and the detection of potential sources of entry is a challenge for food business operators.

At European level, contaminants are regulated in Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, which is currently being revised. The new version is to be published in the spring of this year. There will be no changes to maximum levels in the course of the revision, but the regulation will be structurally adapted. In addition, definitions from the European General Food Law Regulation and Regulations on food hygiene will be added and the general rules of the regulation will be defined in more detail. For example, it is clarified that a product that exceeds the maximum content according to the Annex may neither be placed on the market as such nor used as a raw material or ingredient in food. Furthermore, the food categories of the respective contaminants are specified in more detail.

In our laboratory centre for contaminant analysis, we offer the most modern and sensitive trace analysis. Our interdisciplinary team will also be happy to advise you on the current legal situation.

Contact us for more information.