Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 of 8 March 2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs (Text with EEA relevance.)
Modified by
  • Council Regulation (EC) No 2375/2001of 29 November 2001amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32001R2375, December 6, 2001
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 221/2002of 6 February 2002amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32002R0221, February 7, 2002
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 257/2002of 12 February 2002amending Regulation (EC) No 194/97 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs and Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32002R0257, February 13, 2002
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 472/2002of 12 March 2002amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance)Corrigendum to Commission Regulation (EC) No 472/2002 of 12 March 2002 amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Official Journal of the European Communities L 75 of 16 March 2002), 32002R047232002R0472R(01), March 16, 2002
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 563/2002of 2 April 2002amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffsCorrigendum to Commission Regulation (EC) No 563/2002 of 2 April 2002 amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Official Journal of the European Communities L 86 of 3 April 2002), 32002R056332002R0563R(01), April 3, 2002
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1425/2003of 11 August 2003amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards patulin(Text with EEA relevance), 32003R1425, August 12, 2003
  • Actconcerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded, 12003T, September 23, 2003
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 2174/2003of 12 December 2003amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards aflatoxins(Text with EEA relevance), 32003R2174, December 13, 2003
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 242/2004of 12 February 2004amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards inorganic tin in foods(Text with EEA relevance), 32004R0242, February 13, 2004
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 455/2004of 11 March 2004amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards patulin(Text with EEA relevance), 32004R0455, March 12, 2004
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 655/2004of 7 April 2004amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards nitrate in foods for infants and young children(Text with EEA relevance), 32004R0655, April 8, 2004
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 683/2004of 13 April 2004amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in foods for infants and young children(Text with EEA relevance), 32004R0683, April 15, 2004
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 684/2004of 13 April 2004amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards dioxins(Text with EEA relevance), 32004R0684, April 15, 2004
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 78/2005of 19 January 2005amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards heavy metals(Text with EEA relevance), 32005R0078, January 20, 2005
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 123/2005of 26 January 2005amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards ochratoxin A(Text with EEA relevance), 32005R0123, January 28, 2005
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 208/2005of 4 February 2005amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(Text with EEA relevance), 32005R0208, February 8, 2005
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 856/2005of 6 June 2005amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards Fusarium toxins(Text with EEA relevance), 32005R0856, June 7, 2005
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1822/2005of 8 November 2005amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 as regards nitrate in certain vegetables(Text with EEA relevance), 32005R1822, November 9, 2005
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006of 19 December 2006setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32006R1881, December 20, 2006
Corrected by
  • Corrigendum to Council Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 of 8 March 2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs, 32001R0466R(03), November 30, 2001
  • Corrigendum to Commission Regulation (EC) No 472/2002 of 12 March 2002 amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs, 32002R0472R(01), March 23, 2002
  • Corrigendum to Commission Regulation (EC) No 563/2002 of 2 April 2002 amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs, 32002R0563R(01), June 14, 2002
Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001of 8 March 2001setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 of 8 February 1993 laying down Community procedures for contaminants in foodOJ L 37, 13.2.1993, p. 1., and in particular Article 2(3) thereof,After consulting the Scientific Committee for Food (SCF),Whereas:(1)Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 provides that maximum levels must be set for certain contaminants in foodstuffs in order to protect public health. These maximum levels must be adopted in the form of a non-exhaustive Community list which may contain levels for the same contaminant in different foodstuffs. The sampling and analysis methods to be applied may be specified.(2)Commission Regulation (EC) No 194/97 of 31 January 1997, setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffsOJ L 31, 1.2.1997, p. 48., as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1566/1999OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 17., has been amended substantially several times. Since further amendments are to be made, it should be recast in the interests of clarity.(3)It is essential, in order to protect public health, to keep contaminants at levels which are toxicologically acceptable. The presence of contaminants must be reduced more thoroughly wherever possible by means of good manufacturing or agricultural practices, in order to achieve a higher level of health protection, especially for sensitive groups of the population.(4)In view of disparities between the laws of Member States in regard to the maximum levels for contaminants in certain foodstuffs and the consequent risk of distortion of competition, Community measures are necessary in order to ensure market unity while abiding by the principle of proportionality.(5)Member States must adopt appropriate surveillance measures regarding the presence of contaminants in foodstuffs.(6)So far, Community legislation does not set maximum levels for contaminants in food intended for infants and young children covered by Commission Directive 91/321/EECOJ L 175, 4.7.1991, p. 35., as last amended by Directive 1999/50/ECOJ L 139, 2.6.1999, p. 29., and Commission Directive 96/5/ECOJ L 49, 28.2.1996, p. 17., as last amended by Directive 1999/39/ECOJ L 124, 18.5.1999, p. 8.. After having consulted the SCF, specific maximum levels for those foodstuffs should be established as soon as possible. Until then the levels set in this Regulation should also apply to those foodstuffs in so far as no stricter level has been set by national legislation.(7)Food ingredients used for the production of compound foodstuffs should comply with the maximum levels set in this Regulation prior to addition to the said compound foodstuff in order to avoid dilution.(8)Vegetables are the major source of nitrates for human intake. The SCF in its opinion of 22 September 1995 stated that the total intake of nitrates is normally well below the acceptable daily intake. It recommended, however, continuation of efforts to reduce exposure to nitrates via food and water since nitrates can be converted into nitrites and nitrosamines, and urged that good agricultural practices are adopted to ensure nitrate levels are as low as reasonably achievable. The SCF emphasised that concern about the presence of nitrates should not discourage increase in the consumption of vegetables since vegetables have an essential nutritional function and play an important role in health protection.(9)Specific measures designed to provide better control of the sources of nitrates together with codes of good agricultural practice may help to reduce the nitrate levels in vegetables. However, climatic conditions also influence the levels of nitrates in certain vegetables. Different maximum nitrate levels should therefore be fixed for vegetables depending on the season. The climatic conditions vary widely in different parts of the Community. Therefore, Member States should be allowed, for a transitional period, to authorise the marketing of lettuces and spinach grown and intended for consumption in their territory with nitrate levels higher than those fixed in points 1.1 and 1.3 of Annex I, provided, that the quantities present remain acceptable from the point of view of public health.(10)Lettuce and spinach producers established in the Member States which have given the abovementioned authorisations should progressively modify their farming methods by applying the good agricultural practices recommended at national level, so as to comply with the maximum levels laid down at Community level at the end of the transitional period. It is desirable to achieve common values as soon as possible.(11)The levels set for lettuce and spinach should be reviewed and, if possible, reduced before 1 January 2002. This review will be based on monitoring carried out by the Member States and the application of codes of good agricultural practice in order to fix the maximum levels as low as reasonably achievable.(12)The monitoring of nitrate levels in lettuce and spinach and the application of good agricultural practices shall be carried out using means proportionate to the desired objective, the monitoring results obtained and, particularly, in the light of the risks and of experience gained. The application of codes of good agricultural practice in some Member States will be closely observed. It is therefore appropriate that each year Member States communicate the results of their monitoring and report on the measures taken and the progress with regard to the application of codes of good agricultural practice to reduce nitrate levels and that an exchange of views with the Member States on these reports will take place annually.(13)Lower limits are fixed for open-grown lettuce than for lettuce grown under glass, and in order to allow effective control the limits set for open-grown lettuce should apply also to lettuce grown under glass in the absence of precise labelling.(14)Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by certain species of Aspergillus, which develop at high temperatures and humidity levels. Aflatoxins are genotoxic carcinogenic substances and may be present in a large number of foods. For substances of this type there is no threshold below which no harmful effect is observed. No tolerable daily intake can therefore be set. Current scientific and technical knowledge and improvements in production and storage techniques do not prevent the development of these moulds and consequently do not enable the presence of the aflatoxins in food to be eliminated entirely. It is, therefore, advisable to set limits as low as reasonably achievable.(15)Efforts to improve production, harvesting and storage methods in order to reduce the development of moulds should be encouraged. The aflatoxins group includes a number of compounds of varying toxicity and frequency in food. Aflatoxin B1 is by far the most toxic compound. It is advisable, for safety reasons, to limit both the total aflatoxin content of food (compounds B1, B2, G1 and G2) and the aflatoxin B1 content. Aflatoxin M1 is a metabolic product of aflatoxin B1, and is present in milk and milk products from animals which have consumed contaminated feed. Even if aflatoxin M1 is regarded as a less dangerous genotoxic carcinogenic substance than aflatoxin B1, it is necessary to prevent the presence thereof in milk and milk products intended for human consumption and for young children in particular.(16)It is recognised that sorting or other physical treatment methods make it possible to reduce the aflatoxin content of groundnuts, nuts and dried fruit. In order to minimise the effects on trade, it is consequently advisable to admit higher aflatoxin content for those products which are not intended for direct human consumption or as an ingredient in foodstuffs. In these cases, the maximum limits for aflatoxins were fixed by taking into consideration at the same time the known possible effects of the above-mentioned treatments for groundnuts, nuts and dried fruit respectively and the need to comply after treatment with the maximum limits fixed for these products intended for direct human consumption or to be used as an ingredient in foodstuffs. In the case of cereals, it cannot be excluded that sorting methods or other physical treatments can reduce the level of contamination of aflatoxins. In order to be able to check the real effectiveness of these methods and, if necessary, to fix specific maximum limits for the unprocessed cereals, it is foreseen for a limited period to apply the maximum limits as laid down in Annex I only for cereals and processed products thereof intended for direct human consumption or as an ingredient in foodstuffs. In the absence of data justifying the fixing of a specific maximum limit for unprocessed cereals, after a well-defined period of time, the maximum limit laid down for cereals and the processed products thereof intended for direct human consumption or as an ingredient of food, will also apply to unprocessed cereals.(17)To allow effective control of the respect of the various limits fixed for the products in question, it is necessary to know the exact destination by means of suitable labelling. Products with levels of aflatoxin exceeding the maximum limit may not be brought into circulation, either as such, after mixture with other foodstuffs or as an ingredient in other foodstuffs. Under Article 5 of Regulation (EEC) No 315/93, Member States may maintain their national provisions concerning the maximum limits for aflatoxins in certain foodstuffs for which no Community provisions have been adopted.(18)Lead absorption may constitute a serious risk to public health. Lead may induce reduced cognitive development and intellectual performance in children and increased blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases in adults. Over the past decade the levels in food have decreased significantly owing to the awareness of lead as a health problem and source-related efforts to reduce the emission of lead and improvements in quality assurance of chemical analysis. The SCF concluded in its opinion of 19 June 1992 that the mean level of lead in foodstuffs does not seem to be a cause for alarm, however, longer-term action should follow with the objective of further lowering the mean levels of lead in foodstuffs. Therefore, the maximum levels should be as low as reasonably achievable.(19)Cadmium may accumulate in the human body and may induce kidney dysfunction, skeletal damage and reproductive deficiencies. It cannot be excluded that it acts as a human carcinogen. The SCF, in its opinion of 2 June 1995, recommended greater efforts to reduce dietary exposure to cadmium since foodstuffs are the main source of human intake of cadmium. Therefore, maximum levels should be set as low as reasonably achievable.(20)Methylmercury may induce alterations in the normal development of the brain of infants and at higher levels may induce neurological changes in adults. Mercury contaminates mostly fish and fishery products. To protect public health, maximum levels of mercury in fishery products are laid down by Commission Decision 93/351/EECOJ L 144, 16.6.1993, p. 23.. For reasons of transparency, the relevant measures laid down by that Decision should be transferred to the present Regulation and updated. The levels should be as low as reasonably achievable, taking into account that for physiological reasons certain species concentrate mercury more easily in their tissues than others.(21)3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) is created during food processing under certain conditions. In particular, it may be produced during the manufacture of the savoury food ingredient "hydrolysed vegetable protein" that is produced through the acid hydrolysis method (acid-HVP). By adjusting production processes, a significant decrease of 3-MCPD in the abovementioned product has been achieved over the past years. Recently, several Member States have also reported high levels of 3-MCPD in certain samples of soy sauce. In order to enforce good manufacturing practice and to protect the health of consumers, maximum levels of 3-MCPD should be set. The SCF advised, in its opinion of 16 December 1994, which was confirmed on 12 June 1997, that 3-MCPD should be regarded as a genotoxic carcinogen and that residues of 3-MCPD in food products should be undetectable. Recently performed toxicological studies indicate that the substance acts as a non-genotoxic carcinogen in vivo.(22)The maximum levels set in Annex I for 3-MCPD are based on the SCF opinion. The SCF will reevaluate the toxicity of 3-MCPD in the light of new studies. The adequacy of the maximum levels should be reconsidered as soon as the new SCF opinion is available. Member States are requested to examine other foodstuffs for the occurrence of 3-MCPD in order to consider the need to set maximum levels for additional foodstuffs.(23)Any maximum level adopted at Community level will have to be reviewed regularly to take account of the advance of scientific and technical knowledge and improvements in manufacturing or agricultural practices with the objective of achieving steadily decreasing levels.(24)The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Foodstuffs,HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 11.The foodstuffs indicated in Annex I must not, when placed on the market, contain higher contaminant levels than those specified in that Annex.1a.By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Sweden and Finland are authorised for a transitional period, up to 31 December 2006, to place on the market fish, originating from the Baltic region, which is intended for consumption in their territory with dioxin levels higher than those set in point 5.2. of section 5 of Annex I, provided that a system is in place to ensure that consumers are fully informed of the dietary recommendations with regard to the restrictions on consumption of fish from the Baltic region by identified vulnerable groups of the population in order to avoid potential health risks.Any future application of this derogation will be considered in the framework of the review of section 5 of Annex I, provided for in Article 5(3).Finland and Sweden shall communicate to the Commission by 31 December each year, the results of their monitoring of the levels of dioxins in fish from the Baltic region and report on the measures taken to reduce human exposure to dioxins from fish from the Baltic region.1b.By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the Commission may authorise Estonia for a transitional period, up to 31 December 2006, to place on its market fish, originating from the Baltic region, which is intended for consumption in its territory with dioxin levels higher than those set in point 5.2. of Section 5 of Annex I. This derogation will be granted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 8 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 laying down Community procedures for contaminants in foodOJ L 37, 13.2.1993, p. 1.. To this end, Estonia shall demonstrate that the conditions applicable to Finland and Sweden laid down in paragraph 1a are fulfilled and that human exposure to dioxins in Estonia is not higher than the highest average level in any of the Member States of the Community as constituted on 30 April 2004.If such a derogation is granted to Estonia, any future application of it will be considered in the framework of the review of Section 5 of Annex I, provided for in Article 5(3).Notwithstanding the above, Estonia shall implement the necessary measures to ensure that fish or fish products not complying with point 5.2 of Section 5 of Annex I are not marketed in other Member States.2.The maximum levels specified in Annex I shall apply to the edible part of the foodstuffs mentioned.3.The sampling and analysis methods applied shall be those specified in Annex I.
Article 21.In the case of products, other than those mentioned under Article 4(1), which are dried, diluted, processed or composed of more than one ingredient, the maximum level applicable shall be that laid down in Annex I, taking into account respectively:(a)changes of the concentration of the contaminant caused by drying or dilution processes,(b)changes of the concentration of the contaminant caused by processing,(c)the relative proportions of the ingredients in the product and(d)the analytical limit of quantification.The first subparagraph shall apply in so far as no specific maximum levels are fixed for these dried, diluted, processed or compound products.2.The maximum levels specified in Annex I shall apply also to food intended for infants and young children covered by Directive 91/321/EEC and Directive 96/5/EC, taking into account respectively, the changes of the concentration of the contaminant caused by drying, dilution or processing and the relative concentrations of the ingredients in the product. This does not apply to the contaminants for which specific Community maximum levels have been set for the specified foods or to the cases where in the absence of Community maximum levels, stricter levels have been set by national legislation for the specified foods.3.Without prejudice to Articles 3(1) and 4(3), the following shall be prohibited(a)to use products, which do not comply with the maximum levels set out in Annex I, as food ingredients for the production of compound or other foodstuffs;(b)to mix products complying with the maximum levels with products exceeding the maximum levels set out in Annex I;(c)to deliberately detoxify products by chemical treatments in the case of contaminants listed in section 2 (Mycotoxins) of Annex I.
Article 31.Member States may, where justified, authorise for a transitional period the placing on the market of fresh lettuces and fresh spinach, grown and intended for consumption in their territory, with nitrate levels higher than those set as maximum levels in points 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4 of the Annex provided that codes of good agricultural practice are applied to achieve gradual progress towards the levels laid down in this Regulation.The transitional period:(a)with regard to lettuces, shall cease on 1 January 2005;(b)with regard to spinach, shall be reviewed not later than 1 January 2005.Member States shall inform the other Member States and the Commission each year of steps taken to implement the first sub-paragraph.2.Member States shall communicate to the Commission by 30 June of each year, the results of their monitoring and report on the measures taken and the progress made with regard to the application and improvement of codes of good agricultural practice to reduce nitrate levels in lettuce and spinach. This information shall also contain the data on which their codes of good agricultural practice are based.3.The Member States, who do not apply paragraph 1, shall carry out the monitoring of nitrate levels in lettuce and spinach and apply good agricultural practices using means proportionate to the desired objective, the monitoring results obtained, particularly in the light of the risks and of experience gained.
Article 3aMember States shall monitor nitrate levels in vegetables containing significant levels, in particular green leafy vegetables, and communicate the results to the Commission by 30 June each year.
Article 3b1.By way of derogation from Article 1(1), Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are authorised until 31 December 2008 to place on the market fresh spinach grown and intended for consumption in their territory with nitrate levels higher than the maximum levels set out in point 1.1 of Annex I.2.By way of derogation from Article 1(1), Ireland and the United Kingdom are authorised until 31 December 2008 to place on the market fresh lettuce grown and intended for consumption in their territory and harvested throughout the year with nitrate levels higher than the maximum levels set out in point 1.3 of Annex I.By way of derogation from Article 1(1), France is authorised until 31 December 2008 to place on the market fresh lettuce grown and intended for consumption in its territory and harvested from 1 October to 31 March with nitrate levels higher than the maximum levels set out in point 1.3 of Annex I.
Article 41.The maximum limits of aflatoxins applicable to the products, as laid down in points 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.2.1 of Annex I shall also be applicable to processed products thereof in so far as no specific maximum limits are fixed for such processed products.2.With regard to aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in products mentioned in points 2.1 and 2.2 of Annex I, it is prohibited:(a)to mix products complying with the maximum levels laid down in Annex I with products exceeding these maximum levels or to mix products to be subjected to a sorting technique or physical treatment with products intended for direct human consumption or as an ingredient in foodstuffs,(b)to use products which do not comply with the maximum levels laid down in points 2.1.1.1, 2.1.2.1, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.2.1 , 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4 and 2.2.5 of Annex I as an ingredient for the manufacture of other foodstuffs,(c)to detoxify products by chemical treatments.3.Groundnuts, nuts and dried fruit not complying with the maximum levels of aflatoxins laid down in point 2.1.1.1 of Annex I and maize not complying with the maximum levels laid down in point 2.1.2.1 of that Annex can be placed on the market provided that these products:(a)are not intended for direct human consumption or used as an ingredient in foodstuffs;(b)comply with the maximum levels laid down in point 2.1.1.2 of Annex I for groundnuts, in point 2.1.1.3 of Annex I for nuts and dried fruit and in point 2.1.2.3 of Annex I for maize;(c)are subjected to a secondary treatment involving sorting or other physical treatment and that after this treatment the maximum limits laid down in points 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.2.1 of Annex I are not exceeded, and this treatment does not result in other harmful residues;(d)are labelled clearly showing their destination, and bearing the indication "product must be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment to reduce aflatoxin contamination before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs".
Article 4aWith regard to dioxins in products referred to in section 5 of Annex I, it shall be prohibited:(a)to mix products complying with the maximum levels with products exceeding these maximum levels;(b)to use products, which do not comply with the maximum levels as an ingredient for the manufacture of other foodstuffs.
Article 51.On the basis of the results of controls carried out by the Member States to check compliance with the maximum levels of nitrates laid down in section 1 of Annex I, the reports with regard to the application and improvement of codes of good agricultural practice to reduce nitrate levels and the evaluation of the data on which the Member States have based their good agricultural practice, the Commission shall proceed, every five years, and before 1 January 2002 for the first time, to a review of the maximum levels with the overall objective of reducing the said levels.2.On the basis of new scientific data and the results of controls carried out by the Member States to check compliance with the maximum levels of heavy metals and 3-MCPD in sections 3 and 4 of Annex I, the Commission shall proceed, every five years, and before 5 April 2003 for the first time, to a review of the maximum levels with the overall objective of ensuring a high level of consumer health protection.2a.The Commission shall, based on an up-to-date risk assessment on ochratoxin A (OTA) performed by the EFSA and taking into account the prevention measures applied to reduce the OTA content, review the provisions under the heading 2.2 of section 2 of Annex I by 30 June 2006 at the latest. This review will concern in particular the maximum level for OTA in dried vine fruit and grape juice and the consideration of setting a maximum level for OTA in green coffee, dried fruit other than dried vine fruit, beer, cocoa and cocoa products, liqueur wines, meat and meat products, spices and liquorice.For this purpose, Member States and interested parties shall communicate each year to the Commission the results of the investigations undertaken and the progress with regard to the application of prevention measures to avoid contamination by OTA. The Commission will make these results available to the Member States.3.The Commission shall review section 5 of Annex I for the first time by 31 December 2004 at the latest in the light of new data on the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, in particular with a view to the inclusion of dioxin-like PCBs in the levels to be set.Section 5 of Annex I shall be further reviewed by 31 December 2006 at the latest with the aim of significantly reducing the maximum levels and possibly laying down maximum levels for other foodstuffs.4.The Commission shall review the maximum levels for patulin laid down in points 2.3.1 and 2.3.2 of section 2 of Annex I by 30 June 2005 at the latest with a view to reducing them to take account of the progress in scientific and technological knowledge and the implementation of the "Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of patulin contamination in apple juice and apple juice ingredients in other beverages".5.The Commission shall review points 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 of section 2 of Annex I by 1 July 2008 as regards the maximum limits for deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and fumonisin B1+B2 and with a view to including a maximum level for T-2 and HT-2 toxin in cereals and cereal products.For that purpose, the Member States and interested parties shall communicate each year to the Commission the results of investigations undertaken including occurrence data and the progress with regard to the application of prevention measures to avoid contamination by deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxin and fumonisin B1+B2.
Article 6Regulation (EC) No 194/97 shall be repealed with effect from 5 April 2002.References to the repealed Regulation shall be construed as references to this Regulation and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex II.
Article 7This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.It shall apply from 5 April 2002. Sections 3 (heavy metals) and 4 (3-MCPD) of Annex I shall not apply to products which have been lawfully placed on the Community market before this date.Τhe maximum levels established in point 2.3. Patulin of section 2 (Mycotoxins) of Annex I shall not apply to products which have been lawfully placed on the Community market before 1 November 2003. The burden of proving when the products were placed on the market shall be borne by the food business operator.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.ANNEX IMAXIMUM LEVELS FOR CERTAIN CONTAMINANTS IN FOODSTUFFSThis section is already included in Regulation (EC) No 194/97 and is repeated here without changes.The maximum levels for fresh spinach do not apply for fresh spinach to be subjected to processing and which is directly transported in bulk from field to processing plant.Subject to review before 1 January 2002 pursuant to the provisions of Article 5(1).OJ L 207, 15.8.1979, p. 26.In the absence of appropriate labelling, indicating the production method, the limit established for open-grown lettuce applies.The maximum limits apply to the edible part of groundnuts, nuts and dried fruits. If nuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed when calculating the aflatoxin content all the contamination is on the edible part.OJ L 201, 17.7.1998, p. 93.The maximum limits shall be reconsidered before 1 July 2001 according to the progress of scientific and technological knowledge.If no specific level is fixed before 1 July 2003, the levels laid down in point 2.1.2.1 of the table will apply thereafter to maize referred to in this point.OJ L 268, 14.9.1992, p. 1.OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1.See page 14 of this Official Journal.Maximum level applies to the product as proposed ready for consumption or as reconstituted according to the instructions of the manufacturer.OJ 121, 29.7.1964, p. 2012.OJ L 243, 11.10.1995, p. 7.OJ L 55, 8.3.1971, p. 23.OJ L 24, 30.1.1998, p. 31.OJ L 17, 21.1.2000, p. 22.OJ L 350, 14.12.1990, p. 71.OJ L 197, 3.8.2000, p. 26.OJ L 244, 30.9.1993, p. 23.OJ L 179, 14.7.1999, p. 1.OJ L 149, 14.6.1991, p. 1.Maximum level is given for the liquid product containing 40 % dry matter, corresponding to a maximum level of 0,05 mg/kg in the dry matter. The level needs to be adjusted proportionally according to the dry matter content of the products.Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level shall apply to the whole fish.OJ L 75, 16.3.2002, p. 38. Directive as last amended by Directive 2004/43/EC (OJ L 113, 20.4.2004, p. 14).Described in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1543/2001 of 27 July 2001, laying down the marketing standard for lettuces and curled-leaved and broad-leaved (Batavian) endives (OJ L 203, 28.7.2001, p. 9).OJ L 209, 6.8.2002, p. 5Upperbound concentrations; upperbound concentrations are calculated assuming that all values of the different congeners less than the limit of determination are equal to the limit of determination.These maximum levels shall be reviewed for the first time by 31 December 2004 at the latest in the light of new data on the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, in particular with a view to the inclusion of dioxin-like PCBs in the levels to be set and will be further reviewed by 31 December 2006 at the latest with the aim of significantly reducing the maximum levels.The maximum levels are not applicable for food products containing < 1 % fat.Meat of bovine animals, sheep, pig, poultry and farmed game as defined in Article 2(a) of Council Directive 64/433/EEC (OJ L 121, 29.7.1964, p. 2012/64), as last amended by Directive 95/23/EC (OJ L 243, 11.10.1995, p. 7) and Article 2(1) of Council Directive 71/118/EEC (OJ L 55, 8.3.1971, p. 23), as last amended by Directive 97/64/EC (OJ L 24, 30.1.1998, p.31), and Article 2(2) of Council Directive 91/495/EEC (OJ L 268, 24.9.1991, p. 41) as last amended by Directive 94/65/EC (OJ L 368, 31.12.1994, p. 10), excluding edible offal as defined in Article 2(e) of Directive 64/433/EEC and Article 2(5) of Directive 71/118/EEC.Muscle meat of fish and fishery products as defined in categories (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f) of the list in Article 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 (OJ L 17, 21.1.2000, p. 22). The maximum level applies to crustaceans excluding the brown meat of crab and to cephalopods without viscera.Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level shall apply to the whole fish.Milk (raw milk, milk for the manufacture of milk-based products and heat treated milk as defined in Council Directive 92/46/EEC (OJ L 268, 14.9.1992, p. 1) as last amended by Council Directive 96/23/EC (OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 10)).Hen eggs and egg products as defined in Article 2 of Council Directive 89/437/EEC (OJ L 212, 22.7.1989, p. 87), as last amended by Council Directive 96/23/EC (OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 10).Free-range or semi-intensive eggs as defined in Article 18 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91 (OJ L 121, 16.5.1991, p. 11), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1651/2001 (OJ L 220, 15.8.2001, p. 5), must comply with the maximum level laid down as from 1 January 2005.Fruit juices, including fruit juices from concentrates, concentrated fruit juice and fruit nectar as defined in Annex 1 and 2 to Council Directive 2001/112/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption (OJ L 10, 12.1.2002, p. 58).Spirit drinks as defined in Article 1 of CouncilRegulation (EEC) No 1576/89 of 29 May 1989 laying down general rules on the definition, description and presentation of spirit drinks (OJ L 160, 12.6.1989, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3378/94 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 1994 (OJ L 366, 31.12.1994, p. 1).Infants and young children as defined in Article 1 of Commission Directive 91/321/EEC of 14 May 1991, on infant formulae and follow-onformulae (OJ L 175, 4.7.1991, p. 35), as last amended by Directive 2003/14/EC (OJ L 41, 14.2.2003, p. 37) and Article 1 of Commission Directive 96/5/EC of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal based foods and baby foods for infants and young children (OJ L 49, 28.2.1996, p. 17), as last amended by Directive 2003/13/EC (OJ L 41, 14.2.2003, p. 33).A method of analysis will be validated by an international collaborativering trial which will be performed before 1 November 2003 in order to demonstrate that the level of 10 μg/kg patulin can be reliably determined. In case there is no evidence by 1 November 2003 that the level of 10 μg/kg patulin can be reliably determined, the level of 25 μg/kg will apply.Baby foods other than processed cereal-based foods as defined in Commission Directive 96/5/EC of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal based foods and baby foods for infants and young children (OJ L 49, 28.2.1996, p. 17) as last amended by Directive 2003/13/EC (OJ L 41, 14.02.2003, p. 33).See page 16 of this Official Journal.Baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children as defined in Article 1 of Directive 96/5/EC. The maximum level refers to the product as sold.Infant formulae and follow-on formulae as defined in Article 1 of Directive 91/321/EEC. The maximum level refers to the product as sold.Dietary foods for special medical purposes as defined in Article 1(2) of Commission Directive 1999/21/EC of 25 March 1999 on dietary foods for special medical purposes (OJ L 91, 7.4.1999, p. 29). The maximum level refers to the product as sold.Baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children as defined in Article 1 of Commission Directive 96/5/EC, Euratom of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children (OJ L 49, 28.2.1996, p. 17). The maximum levels shall apply to the products as proposed ready for consumption or as reconstituted according to the instructions of the manufacturers.The Commission shall review the maximum levels for nitrate in foods for infants and young children by 1 April 2006 taking into account the progress in scientific and technological knowledge.Baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children as defined in Article 1 of Commission Directive 96/5/EC of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children (OJ L 49, 28.2.1996, p. 17) as last amended by Directive 2003/13/EC (OJ L 41, 14.2.2003, p. 33).The maximum level for baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children refer to the dry matter. The dry matter is determined in accordance with the provisions of Commission Directives 98/53/EC and 2002/26/EC.Infant formulae and follow-on formulae as defined in Article 1 of Commission Directive 91/321/EEC of 14 May 1991, on infant formulae and follow-on formulae (OJ L 175, 4.7.1991, p.35) as last amended by Directive 2003/14/EC (OJ L41, 14.2.2003, p. 37).The maximum level for infant formulae and follow-on formulae refer to the product ready to use (marketed as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer).Dietary foods for special medical purposes as defined in Article 1(2) of Commission Directive 1999/21/EC of 25 March 1999 on dietary foods for special medical purposes (OJ L 91, 7.4.1999, p. 29).The maximum level for dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants referin the case of milk and milk products, to the products ready for use (marketed as such or reconstituted as instructed by the manufacturer),in the case of products other than milk and milk products, to the dry matter. The dry matter is determined in accordance with the provisions of Commission Directives 98/53/EC and 2002/26/EC.Fish as defined in the category (a) of the list of Article 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 (OJ L 17, 21.1.2000, p. 22).Fish and fishery products as defined in the category (a), (c) and (f) of the list of Article 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 (OJ L 17, 21.1.2000, p. 22).Wines, including sparkling wines but excluding liqueur wines and wines with an alcoholic strength of not less than 15 % vol., as defined in Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 (OJ L 179, 14.7.1999, p. 1) and fruit wines.Aromatised wines, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 (OJ L 149, 14.6.1991, p. 1). The maximum level for OTA applicable to these beverages is function of the proportion of wine and/or grape must present in the finished product.Maximum level applies to products produced from the 2005 harvest onwards.Fruit juices, including fruit juices from concentrates, concentrated fruit juice and fruit nectar as defined in Annex 1 and 2 of Council Directive 2001/112/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption (OJ L 10, 12.1.2002, p. 58) and derived from grapes.Baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children as defined in Article 1 of Commission Directive 96/5/EC of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children (OJ L 49, 28.2.1996, p. 17) as last amended by Directive 2003/13/EC (OJ L 41, 14.2.2003, p. 33).The maximum level for baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children refer to the dry matter. The dry matter is determined in accordance with the provisions of Commission Directive 2002/26/EC.Dietary foods for special medical purposes as defined in Article 1(2) of Commission Directive 1999/21/EC of 25 March 1999 on dietary foods for special medical purposes (OJ L 91, 7.4.1999, p. 29).The maximum level for dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants referin the case of milk and milk products, to the products ready for use (marketed as such or reconstituted as instructed by the manufacturer),in the case of products other than milk and milk products, to the dry matter. The dry matter is determined in accordance with the provisions of Commission Directive 2002/26/EC.See page 15 of this Official Journal.Benzo(a)pyrene, for which maximum levels are listed, is used as a marker for the occurrence and effect of carcinogenic PAH. These measures therefore provide full harmonisation on PAH in the listed foods across the Member States. The Commission shall review the maximum levels for PAH in the listed food categories by 1 April 2007, taking into account the progress in scientific and technological knowledge on the occurrence of benzo(a)pyrene and other carcinogenic PAH in food.Cocoa butter is excluded from this category whilst investigations into the presence of benzo(a)pyrene in cocoa butter are made. This derogation will be reviewed by 1 April 2007.Dietary foods for special medical purposes as defined in Article 1(2) of Directive 1999/21/EC. The maximum level refers to the product as sold.Fish and fishery products as defined in the categories (b), (c), and (f) of the list in Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 104/2000.Fish as defined in the category (a) of the list in Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 104/2000.OJ L 187, 16.7.2002, p. 30.See page 18 of this Official Journal.For the purpose of the application of maximum levels of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins B1 and B2, T-2 and HT-2 toxin established in points 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 only, rice is not included in "cereals" and rice products not included in "cereal products."The maximum levels set for "unprocessed cereals" applies to cereals placed on the market for first-stage processing. However, the maximum levels do apply for the cereals harvested and taken over, as from the 2005/2006 marketing year, in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 824/2000 of 19 April 2000 establishing procedures for the taking-over of cereals by intervention agencies and laying down methods of analysis for determining the quality of cereals (OJ L 100, 20.4.2000, p. 31), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 777/2004 (OJ L 123, 27.4.2004, p. 50)."First-stage processing" shall mean any physical or thermal treatment, other than drying, of or on the grain.Cleaning, sorting and drying procedures are not considered to be "first stage processing" insofar as no physical action is exerted on the grain kernel itself and the whole grain remains intact after cleaning and sorting.If no specific level is fixed before 1 July 2007, the level of 1750 μg/kg will apply thereafter to maize referred to in this point.This category includes also similar products otherwise denominated such as semolina.Processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children and baby food as defined in Article 1 of Commission Directive 96/5/EC of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children (OJ L 49, 28.2.1996, p. 17) as last amended by Directive 2003/13/EC (OJ L 41, 14.2.2003, p. 33).The maximum level for processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children and baby food refers to the dry matter.If no specific level is fixed before 1 July 2007, the level of200 μg/kg will apply thereafter to unprocessed maize200 μg/kg will apply thereafter to maize flour, maize meal, maize grits and refined maize oil50 μg/kg will apply thereafter to maize snacks and maize-based breakfast cereals20 μg/kg will apply thereafter to processed maize-based foods for infants and young children.The maximum level applies to the sum of Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and Fumonisin B2 (FB2).The maximum level set for "unprocessed maize" applies to maize placed on the market for first-stage processing. However, the maximum levels do apply for the maize harvested and taken over, as from the 2006/2007 marketing year, in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 824/2000 establishing procedures for the taking over of cereals by intervention agencies and laying down methods of analysis for determining the quality of cereals (OJ L 100, 20.4.2000, p. 31), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 777/2004 (OJ L 123, 27.4.2004, p. 50)."First-stage processing" shall mean any physical or thermal treatment, other than drying, of or on the grain.Cleaning, sorting and drying procedures are not considered to be "first stage processing" insofar as no physical action is exerted on the grain kernel itself and the whole grain remains intact after cleaning and sorting.If no specific level is fixed before 1 October 2007, the level of2000 μg/kg will apply thereafter to unprocessed maize1000 μg/kg will apply thereafter to maize flour, maize meal, maize grits and refined maize semolina400 μg/kg will apply thereafter to maize based foods for direct consumption200 μg/kg will apply thereafter to processed maize based foods for infants and young children and baby food.The maximum level refers to the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxin.The maximum levels set for "unprocessed cereals" applies to cereals placed on the market for first-stage processing."First-stage processing" shall mean any physical or thermal treatment, other than drying, of or on the grain. Cleaning, sorting and drying procedures are not considered to be "first stage processing" insofar as no physical action is exerted on the grain kernel itself and the whole grain remains intact after cleaning and sorting.A maximum level will be fixed, if appropriate, before 1 July 2007.Data on the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin are for the time being limited. However, intake estimates indicate clearly that the presence of T-2 and HT-2 can be of concern for public health. Therefore, the development of a sensitive method, collection of more occurrence data and more investigations/research in the factors involved in the presence of T-2 and HT-2 in cereal and cereal products particularly in oats and oat products is necessary and of high priority.
Section 1:Nitrates
ProductMaximum level (mg NO3/kg)Sampling methodReference analysis method
1.1.Fresh spinach (Spinacia oleracea)Harvested 1 October to 31 March3000Commission Directive 2002/63/EC
Harvested 1 April to 30 September2500
1.2.Preserved, deep-frozen or frozen spinach2000Directive 2002/63/EC
1.3.Fresh lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) (protected and open-grown lettuce) excluding lettuce listed in point 1.4.Harvested 1 October to 31 March:Directive 2002/63/EC. However, the minimum number of units per laboratory sample is 10
lettuce grown under cover4500
lettuce grown in the open air4000
Harvested 1 April to 30 September:
lettuce grown under cover3500
lettuce grown in the open air2500
1.4."Iceberg" type lettucesLettuce grown under cover2500Directive 2002/63/EC. However, the minimum number of units per laboratory sample is 10
Lettuce grown in the open air2000
1.5.Baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children200Directive 2002/63/EC (provisions as foreseen for processed foods of plant origin and for processed foods of animal origin)
Section 2:Mycotoxins2.1.AFLATOXINS2.1.1.Groundnuts, nuts and dried fruit2.1.2.Cereals (including buckwheat,Fagopyrumsp)
ProductMaximum level (μg / kg)Sampling methodPerformance criteria for methods of analysis
B1B1 + B2 + G1 + G2M1
2.1.1.1.Groundnuts, nuts and dried fruit and processed products thereof, intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs2,04,0—Commission Directive 98/53/ECDirective 98/53/EC
2.1.1.2.Groundnuts to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs8,015,0—Directive 98/53/ECDirective 98/53/EC
2.1.1.3.Nuts and dried fruit to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs5,010,0—Directive 98/53/ECDirective 98/53/EC
2.1.2.1.Cereals (including buckwheat, Fagopyrum sp) and processed products thereof intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs2,04,0—Directive 98/53/ECDirective 98/53/EC
2.1.2.2.Cereals (including buckwheat, Fagopyrum sp), with the exception of maize, to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs2,04,0—Directive 98/53/ECDirective 98/53/EC
2.1.2.3.Maize to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs5,010,0—Directive 98/53/ECDirective 98/53/EC
2.1.3.Milk (raw milk, milk for the manufacture of milk based products and heat-treated milk as defined by Council Directive 92/46/EC as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 806/2003——0,05Directive 98/53/ECDirective 98/53/EC
2.1.4.Following species of spices:Capsicum spp. (dried fruits thereof, whole or ground, including chillies, chilli powder, cayenne and paprika)Piper spp. (fruits thereof, including white and black pepper)Myristica fragrans (nutmeg)Zingiber officinale (ginger)Curcuma longa (turmeric)5,010,0—Directive 98/53/ECDirective 98/53/EC
2.1.5.Baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children0,10——Directive 1998/53/ECDirective 1998/53/EC
2.1.6.Infant formulae and follow-on formulae, including infant milk and follow-on milk——0,025Directive 1998/53/ECDirective 1998/53/EC
2.1.7.Dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants0,10—0,025Directive 1998/53/ECDirective 1998/53/EC
2.2.OCHRATOXIN A2.2.1.Cereals (including rice and buckwheat) and derived cereal products
ProductMaximum levels(μg/kg or ppb)Sampling methodReference analysis method
2.2.1.1.Raw cereal grains (including raw rice and buckwheat)5,0Commission Directive 2002/26/ECDirective 2002/26/EC
2.2.1.2.All products derived from cereals (including processed cereal products and cereal grains intended for direct human consumption)3,0Directive 2002/26/ECDirective 2002/26/EC
2.2.2.Dried vine fruit (currants, raisins and sultanas)10,0Directive 2002/26/ECDirective 2002/26/EC
2.2.3.Roasted coffee beans and ground roasted coffee with the exception of soluble coffee5,0Directive 2002/26/ECDirective 2002/26/EC
Soluble coffee (instant coffee)10,0
2.2.4.Wine (red, white and rosé) and other wine and/or grape must based beverages2,0Directive 2002/26/ECDirective 2002/26/EC
2.2.5.Grape juice, grape juice ingredients in other beverages, including grape nectar and concentrated grape juice as reconstituted2,0Directive 2002/26/ECDirective 2002/26/EC
Grape must and concentrated grape must as reconstituted, intended for direct human consumption2,0Directive 2002/26/ECDirective 2002/26/EC
2.2.6.Baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children0,50Directive 2002/26/ECDirective 2002/26/EC
2.2.7.Dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants0,50Directive 2002/26/ECDirective 2002/26/EC
2.2.8.Green coffee, dried fruit other than dried vine fruit, beer, cocoa and cocoa products, liqueur wines, meat products, spices and liquorice.—
2.3.PATULIN
ProductsPatulin: maximum levels(μg/kg or ppb)Sampling methodReference analysis method
2.3.1.Fruit juices and fruit nectar, in particular apple juice, and fruit juice ingredients in other beveragesConcentrated fruit juice after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer50,0Directive 2003/78/ECDirective 2003/78/EC
2.3.2.Spirit drinks, cider and other fermented drinks derived from apples or containing apple juice50,0Directive 2003/78/ECDirective 2003/78/EC
2.3.3.Solid apple products, including apple compote, apple puree intended for direct consumption25,0Directive 2003/78/ECDirective 2003/78/EC
2.3.4.Apple juice and solid apple products, including apple compote and apple puree, for infants and young children and labelled and sold as intended for infants and young childrenOther baby foods other than processed cereal-based foods10,0Directive 2003/78/ECDirective 2003/78/EC
2.4.DEOXYNIVALENOL (DON)
ProductMaximum level(μg/kg)Sampling methodReference analysis method
2.4.1.Unprocessed cereals other than durum wheat, oats and maize1250Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.4.2.Unprocessed durum wheat and oats1750Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.4.3.Unprocessed maize—Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.4.4.Cereal flour, including maize flour, maize grits ands maize meal750Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.4.5.Bread, pastries, biscuits, cereal snacks and breakfast cereals500Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.4.6.Pasta (dry)750Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.4.7.Processed cereal-based food for infants and young children and baby food200Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.5.ZEARALENONE
ProductMaximum level(μg/kg)Sampling methodReference analysis method
2.5.1.Unprocessed cereals other than maize100Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.5.2.Unprocessed maize—Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.5.3.Cereal flour except maize flour75Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.5.4.Maize flour, maize meal, maize grits and refined maize oil—Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.5.5.— Bread, pastries, biscuits50Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
— maize snacks and maize-based breakfast cereals—
— other cereal snacks and breakfast cereals50
2.5.6. —processed maize-based foods for infants and young children—Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
—other processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children and baby food20
2.6.FUMONISINS
ProductMaximum level FB1 + FB2(μg/kg)Sampling methodReference analysis method
2.6.1.Unprocessed maize—Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.6.2.Maize grits, maize meal and maize flour—Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.6.3.Maize-based foods for direct consumption with the exception of 2.6.2 and 2.6.4—Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.6.4.Processed maize-based foods for infants and young children and baby food—Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
2.7.T-2 AND HT-2 TOXIN
ProductMaximum level(μg/kg)Sampling methodReference analysis method
2.7.1.Unprocessed cereals and cereal products—Directive 2005/38/ECDirective 2005/38/EC
Section 3:Heavy metals3.1.LEAD (Pb)3.2.CADMIUM (Cd)3.3.MERCURY
ProductMaximum level (mg/kg wet weight)Performance criteria for samplingPerformance criteria for methods of analysis
3.1.1.Cows' milk (raw milk, milk for the manufacture of milk-based products and heat-treated milk as defined by Directive 92/46/EEC)0,02Commission directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.2.Infant formulae and follow-on formulae as defined in Directive 91/321/EEC0,02Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.3.Meat of bovine animals, sheep, pig and poultry as defined in Article 2(a) of Council Directive 64/433/EEC, as last amended by Directive 95/23/EC, and Article 2(1) of Council Directive 71/118/EEC, as last amended by Directive 97/79/EC, excluding offal as defined in Article 2(e) of Directive 64/433/EEC and Article 2(5) of Directive 71/118/EEC0,1Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.3.1.Edible offal of cattle, sheep, pig and poultry as defined in Article 2(e) of Directive 64/433/EEC and Article 2(5) of Directive 71/118/EEC0,5Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.4.Muscle meat of fish, excluding species listed in 3.1.4.1.0,20Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.4.1.Muscle meat of the following fish:common two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris)eel (Anguilla anguilla)grey mullet (Mugil labrosus labrosus)grunt (Pomadasys benneti)horse mackerel or scad (Trachurus species)sardine (Sardina pilchardus)sardinops (Sardinops species)spotted seabass (Dicentrarchus punctatus)wedge sole (Dicologoglossa cuneata)0,40Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.5.Crustaceans, excluding brown meat of crab and excluding head and thorax meat of lobster and similar large crustaceans (Nephropidae and Palinuridae)0,50Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.6.Bivalve molluscs1,5Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.7Cephalopods (without viscera)1,0Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.8.Cereals (including buckwheat), legumes and pulses0,2Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.9.Vegetables as defined in Article 1 of Council Directive 90/642/EEC, as last amended by Directive 2000/48/EC, excluding brassica, leafy vegetables, fresh herbs and all fungi. For potatoes the maximum level applies to peeled potatoes0,1Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.9.1.Brassica, leafy vegetables and all cultivated fungi0,3Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.10.Fruit as defined in Article 1 of Directive 90/642/EEC, excluding berries and small fruits0,1Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.10.1.Berries and small fruits as defined in Article 1 of Council Directive 90/642/EEC0,2Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.11.Fats and oils, including milk fat0,1Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.12.Fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices (for direct consumption) and fruit nectars as defined in Council Directive 93/77/EEC0,05Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.1.13.Wines as defined in Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 (including sparkling wines and excluding liqueur wines), aromatised wines, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91, and ciders, perry and fruit wines. Maximum level applies to products produced from the 2001 fruit harvest onwards0,2Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.1.Meat of bovine animals, sheep, pig and poultry as defined in Article 2(a) of Directive 64/433/EEC and Article 2(1) of Directive 71/118/EEC excluding offal as defined in Article 2(e) of Directive 64/433/EEC and Article 2(5) of Directive 71/118/EEC0,05Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.2.Horsemeat0,2Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.3.Liver of cattle, sheep, pig and poultry0,5Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.4.Kidney of cattle, sheep, pig and poultry1,0Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.5.Muscle meat of fish, excluding species listed in 3.2.5.1 and 3.2.5.2.0,05Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.5.1.Muscle meat of the following fish:anchovy (Engraulis species)bonito (Sarda sarda)common two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris)eel (Anguilla anguilla)grey mullet (Mugil labrosus labrosus)horse mackerel or scad (Trachurus species)louvar or luvar (Luvarus imperialis)sardine (Sardina pilchardus)sardinops (Sardinops species)tuna (Thunnus species, Euthynnus species, Katsuwonus pelamis)wedge sole (Dicologoglossa cuneata)0,10Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.5.2.Muscle meat of swordfish (Xiphias gladius)0,30Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.6.Crustaceans, excluding brown meat of crab and excluding head and thorax meat of lobster and similar large crustaceans (Nephropidae and Palinuridae)0,5Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.7.Bivalve molluscs1,0Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.8.Cephalopods (without viscera)1,0Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.9.Cereals, excluding bran, germ, wheat grain and rice0,1Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.9.1.Bran, germ, wheat grain and rice0,2Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.10.Soybeans0,2Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.11.Vegetables and fruits as defined in Article 1 of Directive 90/642/EEC, excluding leafy vegetables, fresh herbs, all fungi, stem vegetables, root vegetables and potatoes0,05Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.11.1.Leafy vegetables, fresh herbs, celeriac and all cultivated fungi0,2Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.2.11.2.Stem vegetables, root vegetables and potatoes, excluding celeriac. For potatoes the maximum level applies to peeled potatoes0,1Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.3.1.Fishery products and muscle meat of fish, excluding species listed in 3.3.1.1.0,50Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
3.3.1.1.Muscle meat of the following fish:anglerfish (Lophius species)atlantic catfish (Anarhichas lupus)bonito (Sarda sarda)eel (Anguilla species)emperor, orange roughy, rosy soldierfish (Hoplostethus species)grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris)halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)marlin (Makaira species)megrim (Lepidorhombus species)mullet (Mullus species)pike (Esox lucius)plain bonito (Orcynopsis unicolor)poor cod (Tricopterus minutes)portuguese dogfish (Centroscymnes coelolepis)rays (Raja species)redfish (Sebastes marinus, S. mentella, S. viviparus)sail fish (Istiophorus platypterus)scabbard fish (Lepidopus caudatus, Aphanopus carbo)seabream, pandora (Pagellus species)shark (all species)snake mackerel or butterfish (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, Ruvettus pretiosus, Gempylus serpens)sturgeon (Acipenser species)swordfish (Xiphias gladius)tuna (Thunnus species, Euthynnus species, Katsuwonus pelamis)1,0Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
Section 4:3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD)
ProductMaximum level (mg/kg)Performance criteria for samplingPerformance criteria for methods of analysis
4.1.Hydrolysed vegetable protein0,02Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
4.2.Soy sauce0,02Directive 2001/22/ECDirective 2001/22/EC
Section 5:Dioxin (sum of polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) expressed in World Health Organisation (WHO) toxic equivalents, using the WHO-TEFs (toxic equivalency factors, 1997)5.1.1.Meat and meat productsoriginating from5.5.Oils and fats—Animal fat
ProductsMaximum levels (PCDD + PCDF)(pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fat or product)Performance criteria for samplingPerformance criteria for the methods of analysis
— Ruminants (bovine animals, sheep)3 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
— Poultry and farmed game2 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
— Pigs1 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
5.1.2. Liver and derived products originating from terrestrial animals6 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
5.2. Muscle meat of fish and fishery products and products thereof4 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fresh weightDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
5.3. Milk and milk products, including butter fat3 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
5.4. Hen eggs and egg products3 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
— from ruminants3 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
— from poultry and farmed game2 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
— from pigs1 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
— mixed animal fat2 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
— Vegetable oils and fats0,75 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
— fish oil intended for human consumption2 pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g fatDirective 2002/69/ECDirective 2002/69/EC
Section 6:Tin (inorganic)3.Canned foods for infants and young children, excluding dried and powdered products:
ProductMaximum level(mg/kg wet weight)Performance criteria for samplingPerformance criteria for methods of analysis
1.Canned foods other than beverages200Commission Directive 2004/16/ECDirective 2004/16/EC
2.Canned beverages, including fruit juices and vegetable juices100Directive 2004/16/ECDirective 2004/16/EC
3.1.Canned baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children50Directive 2004/16/ECDirective 2004/16/EC
3.2.Canned infant formulae and follow-on formulae, including infant milk and follow-on milk50Directive 2004/16/ECDirective 2004/16/EC
3.3.Canned dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants50Directive 2004/16/ECDirective 2004/16/EC
Section 7:Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)7.1.Benzo(a)pyrene
ProductMaximum level(μg/kg wet weight)Performance criteria for samplingPerformance criteria for methods of analysis
7.1.1.Oils and fats intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foods2,0Directive 2005/10/ECDirective 2005/10/EC
7.1.2.Foods for infants and young children1,0Directive 2005/10/ECDirective 2005/10/EC
7.1.2.1.Baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children
7.1.2.2.Infant formulae and follow-on formulae, including infant milk and follow-on milk
7.1.2.3.Dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants
7.1.3.Smoked meats and smoked meat products5,0Directive 2005/10/ECDirective 2005/10/EC
7.1.4.Muscle meat of smoked fish and smoked fishery products, excluding bivalve molluscs5,0Directive 2005/10/ECDirective 2005/10/EC
7.1.5.Muscle meat of fish, other than smoked fish2,0Directive 2005/10/ECDirective 2005/10/EC
7.1.6.Crustaceans, cephalopods, other than smoked5,0Directive 2005/10/ECDirective 2005/10/EC
7.1.7.Bivalve molluscs10,0Directive 2005/10/ECDirective 2005/10/EC
ANNEX IICORRELATION TABLE
This RegulationRegulation (EC) No 194/97
—Article 1
Article 1 (1)Article 2 (1)(a)
Article 2 (1)Article 2 (1)(b)
Article 2 (1)Article 2 (1)(c)
Article 3 (1)Article 2 (2)
Article 3 (1)Article 2 (3)
Article 4 (2)Article 2 (4)
Article 4 (3)Article 2 (5)
Article 3 (2)Article 3, first paragraph
Article 3 (3)Article 3, second paragraph
Article 5 (1)Article 3, third paragraph
Article 1 (3)Article 4
Annex I, section 1 "Nitrates"Annex I, agricultural contaminants, point 1 "Nitrates"
Annex I, section 2 "Mycotoxins"Annex, I. agricultural contaminants, point 2 "Mycotoxins"
—Annex, II. "Other contaminants"