Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs (Text with EEA relevance)
Modified by
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1126/2007of 28 September 2007amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs as regards Fusarium toxins in maize and maize products(Text with EEA relevance), 32007R1126, September 29, 2007
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 565/2008of 18 June 2008amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs as regards the establishment of a maximum level for dioxins and PCBs in fish liver(Text with EEA relevance), 32008R0565, June 19, 2008
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 629/2008of 2 July 2008amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32008R0629, July 3, 2008
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 105/2010of 5 February 2010amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs as regards ochratoxin A(Text with EEA relevance), 32010R0105, February 6, 2010
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 165/2010of 26 February 2010amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs as regards aflatoxins(Text with EEA relevance), 32010R0165, February 27, 2010
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 420/2011of 29 April 2011amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32011R0420, April 30, 2011
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 835/2011of 19 August 2011amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32011R0835, August 20, 2011
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 1258/2011of 2 December 2011amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels for nitrates in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32011R1258, December 3, 2011
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 1259/2011of 2 December 2011amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels for dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and non dioxin-like PCBs in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32011R1259, December 3, 2011
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 219/2012of 14 March 2012correcting the Romanian version of Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32012R0219, March 15, 2012
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 594/2012of 5 July 2012amending Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 as regards the maximum levels of the contaminants ochratoxin A, non dioxin-like PCBs and melamine in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32012R0594, July 6, 2012
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 1058/2012of 12 November 2012amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels for aflatoxins in dried figs(Text with EEA relevance), 32012R1058, November 13, 2012
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 1067/2013of 30 October 2013amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of the contaminants dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and non-dioxin-like PCBs in liver of terrestrial animals(Text with EEA relevance), 32013R1067, October 31, 2013
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 212/2014of 6 March 2014amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of the contaminant citrinin in food supplements based on rice fermented with red yeast Monascus purpureus(Text with EEA relevance), 32014R0212, March 7, 2014
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 362/2014of 9 April 2014correcting the Spanish language version of Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32014R0362, April 10, 2014
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 488/2014of 12 May 2014amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of cadmium in foodstuffs(Text with EEA relevance), 32014R0488, May 13, 2014
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006of 19 December 2006setting 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. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1)., and in particular Article 2(3) thereof,Whereas:(1)Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 of 8 March 2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffsOJ L 77, 16.3.2001, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 199/2006 (OJ L 32, 4.2.2006, p. 32). has been amended substantially many times. It is necessary to amend again maximum levels for certain contaminants to take into account new information and developments in Codex Alimentarius. At the same time, the text should, where appropriate, be clarified. Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 should therefore be replaced.(2)It is essential, in order to protect public health, to keep contaminants at levels which are toxicologically acceptable.(3)In view of disparities between the laws of Member States and the consequent risk of distortion of competition, for some contaminants Community measures are necessary in order to ensure market unity while abiding by the principle of proportionality.(4)Maximum levels should be set at a strict level which is reasonably achievable by following good agricultural, fishery and manufacturing practices and taking into account the risk related to the consumption of the food. In the case of contaminants which are considered to be genotoxic carcinogens or in cases where current exposure of the population or of vulnerable groups in the population is close to or exceeds the tolerable intake, maximum levels should be set at a level which is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Such approaches ensure that food business operators apply measures to prevent and reduce the contamination as far as possible in order to protect public health. It is furthermore appropriate for the health protection of infants and young children, a vulnerable group, to establish the lowest maximum levels, which are achievable through a strict selection of the raw materials used for the manufacturing of foods for infants and young children. This strict selection of the raw materials is also appropriate for the production of some specific foodstuffs such as bran for direct human consumption.(5)To allow maximum levels to be applied to dried, diluted, processed and compound foodstuffs, where no specific Community maximum levels have been established, food business operators should provide the specific concentration and dilution factors accompanied by the appropriate experimental data justifying the factor proposed.(6)To ensure an efficient protection of public health, products containing contaminants exceeding the maximum levels should not be placed on the market either as such, after mixture with other foodstuffs or used as an ingredient in other foods.(7)It is recognised that sorting or other physical treatments make it possible to reduce the aflatoxin content of consignments of groundnuts, nuts, dried fruit and maize. In order to minimise the effects on trade, it is appropriate to allow higher aflatoxin contents for those products which are not intended for direct human consumption or as an ingredient in foodstuffs. In these cases, the maximum levels for aflatoxins should be fixed taking into consideration the effectiveness of the above-mentioned treatments to reduce the aflatoxin content in groundnuts, nuts, dried fruit and maize to levels below the maximum limits fixed for those products intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs.(8)To enable effective enforcement of the maximum levels for certain contaminants in certain foodstuffs, it is appropriate to provide for suitable labelling provisions for these cases.(9)Because of the climatic conditions in some Member States, it is difficult to ensure that the maximum levels are not exceeded for fresh lettuce and fresh spinach. These Member States should be allowed for a temporary period to continue to authorise the marketing of fresh lettuce and fresh spinach grown and intended for consumption in their territory with nitrate contents exceeding the maximum levels. Lettuce and spinach producers established in the Member States which have given the aforementioned authorisations should progressively modify their farming methods by applying the good agricultural practices recommended at national level.(10)Certain fish species originating from the Baltic region may contain high levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. A significant proportion of these fish species from the Baltic region will not comply with the maximum levels and would therefore be excluded from the diet. There are indications that the exclusion of fish from the diet may have a negative health impact in the Baltic region.(11)Sweden and Finland have a system in place which has the capacity to ensure that consumers are fully informed of the dietary recommendations concerning restrictions on consumption of fish from the Baltic region by identified vulnerable groups of the population in order to avoid potential health risks. Therefore, it is appropriate to grant a derogation to Finland and Sweden to place on the market for a temporary period certain fish species originating in the Baltic region and intended for consumption in their territory with levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs higher than those set in this Regulation. The necessary measures must be implemented to ensure that fish and fish products not complying with the maximum levels are not marketed in other Member States. Finland and Sweden report every year to the Commission the results of their monitoring of the levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in fish from the Baltic region and the measures to reduce human exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs from the Baltic region.(12)To ensure that the maximum levels are enforced in a uniform way, the same sampling criteria and the same analysis performance criteria should be applied by the competent authorities throughout the Community. It is furthermore important that analytical results are reported and interpreted in a uniform way. The measures as regards sampling and analysis specified in this Regulation provide for uniform rules on reporting and interpretation.(13)For certain contaminants, Member States and interested parties should monitor and report levels, as well report on the progress with regard to application of preventative measures, to allow the Commission to assess the need to modify existing measures or to adopt additional measures.(14)Any maximum level adopted at Community level can be subject to a review to take account of the advance of scientific and technical knowledge and improvements in good agricultural, fishery and manufacturing practices.(15)Bran and germ can be marketed for direct human consumption and it is therefore appropriate to establish a maximum level for deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in these commodities.(16)Codex Alimentarius has recently set a maximum level for lead in fish which the Community accepted. It is therefore appropriate to modify the current provision for lead in fish accordingly.(17)Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal originOJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 55, as corrected by OJ L 226, 25.6.2004, p. 22. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1662/2006 (OJ L 320, 18.11.2006, p. 1). defines foodstuffs of animal origin, and consequently the entries as regards foodstuffs of animal origin should be amended in some cases according to the terminology used in that Regulation.(18)It is necessary to provide that the maximum levels for contaminants do not apply to the foodstuffs which have been lawfully placed on the Community market before the date of application of these maximum levels.(19)As regards nitrate, vegetables are the major source for the human intake of nitrate. The Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) stated in its opinion of 22 September 1995Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 38th series, Opinion of the Scientific Committee for Food on nitrates and nitrite, p. 1, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_reports_38.pdf that the total intake of nitrate is normally well below the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 3,65 mg/kg body weight (bw). It recommended, however, continuation of efforts to reduce exposure to nitrate via food and water.(20)Since climatic conditions have a major influence on the levels of nitrate in certain vegetables such as lettuce and spinach, different maximum nitrate levels should therefore be fixed depending on the season.(21)As regards aflatoxins, the SCF expressed in its opinion of 23 September 1994 that aflatoxins are genotoxic carcinogensReports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 35th series, Opinion of the Scientific Committee for Food on aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and patulin, p. 45, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_reports_35.pdf. Based on that opinion, it is appropriate to limit the total aflatoxin content of food (sum of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2) as well as the aflatoxin B1 content alone, aflatoxin B1 being by far the most toxic compound. For aflatoxin M1 in foods for infants and young children, a possible reduction of the current maximum level should be considered in the light of developments in analytical procedures.(22)As regards ochratoxin A (OTA), the SCF adopted a scientific opinion on 17 September 1998Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Ochratoxin A (expressed on 17 September 1998) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out14_en.html. An assessment of the dietary intake of OTA by the population of the Community has been performedReports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.7 "Assessment of dietary intake of Ochratoxin A by the population of EU Member States". http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/task_3-2-7_en.pdf in the framework of Council Directive 93/5/EEC of 25 February 1993 on assistance to the Commission and cooperation by the Member States in the scientific examination of questions relating to foodOJ L 52, 4.3.1993, p. 18. (SCOOP). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has, on a request from the Commission, adopted an updated scientific opinion relating to ochratoxin A in food on 4 April 2006Opinion of the Scientific Panel on contaminants in the Food Chain of the EFSA on a request from the Commission related to ochratoxin A in food. http://www.efsa.europa.eu/etc/medialib/efsa/science/contam/contam_opinions/1521.Par.0001.File.dat/contam_op_ej365_ochratoxin_a_food_en1.pdf, taking into account new scientific information and derived a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 120 ng/kg bw.(23)Based on these opinions, it is appropriate to set maximum levels for cereals, cereal products, dried vine fruit, roasted coffee, wine, grape juice and foods for infants and young children, all of which contribute significantly to general human exposure to OTA or to the exposure of vulnerable groups of consumers such as children.(24)The appropriateness of setting a maximum level for OTA in foodstuffs such as dried fruit other than dried vine fruit, cocoa and cocoa products, spices, meat products, green coffee, beer and liquorice, as well as a review of the existing maximum levels, in particular for OTA in dried vine fruit and grape juice, will be considered in the light of the recent EFSA scientific opinion.(25)As regards patulin, the SCF endorsed in its meeting on 8 March 2000 the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 0,4 μg/kg bw for patulinMinutes of the 120th Meeting of the Scientific Committee on Food held on 8 and 9 March 2000 in Brussels, Minute statement on patulin. http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out55_en.pdf.(26)In 2001, a SCOOP-task "Assessment of the dietary intake of patulin by the population of EU Member States" in the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC was performedReports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.8, "Assessment of dietary intake of Patulin by the population of EU Member States". http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/3.2.8_en.pdf.(27)Based on that assessment and taking into account the PMTDI, maximum levels should be set for patulin in certain foodstuffs to protect consumers from unacceptable contamination. These maximum levels should be reviewed and, if necessary, reduced taking into account the progress in scientific and technological knowledge and the implementation of Commission Recommendation 2003/598/EC of 11 August 2003 on the prevention and reduction of patulin contamination in apple juice and apple juice ingredients in other beveragesOJ L 203, 12.8.2003, p. 34..(28)As regards Fusarium toxins, the SCF has adopted several opinions evaluating deoxynivalenol in December 1999Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 1: Deoxynivalenol (DON), (expressed on 2 December 1999) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out44_en.pdf establishing a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 1 μg/kg bw, zearalenone in June 2000Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 2: Zearalenone (ZEA), (expressed on 22 June 2000) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out65_en.pdf establishing a temporary TDI of 0,2 μg/kg bw, fumonisins in October 2000Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 3: Fumonisin B1 (FB1) (expressed on 17 October 2000) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out73_en.pdf (updated in April 2003)Updated opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 (expressed on 4 April 2003) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out185_en.pdf establishing a TDI of 2 μg/kg bw, nivalenol in October 2000Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 4: Nivalenol (expressed on 19 October 2000) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out74_en.pdf establishing a temporary TDI of 0,7 μg/kg bw, T-2 and HT-2 toxin in May 2001Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 5: T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin (adopted on 30 May 2001) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out88_en.pdf establishing a combined temporary TDI of 0,06 μg/kg bw and the trichothecenes as group in February 2002Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium-toxins Part 6: Group evaluation of T-2 toxin, HT-2toxin, nivalenol and deoxynivalenol. (adopted on 26 February 2002) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out123_en.pdf.(29)In the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC the SCOOP-task "Collection of occurrence data on Fusarium toxins in food and assessment of dietary intake by the population of EU Member States" was performed and finalised in September 2003Reports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.10 "Collection of occurrence data of Fusarium toxins in food and assessment of dietary intake by the population of EU Member States". http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/scoop/task3210.pdf.(30)Based on the scientific opinions and the assessment of the dietary intake, it is appropriate to set maximum levels for deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and fumonisins. As regards fumonisins, monitoring control results of the recent harvests indicate that maize and maize products can be very highly contaminated by fumonisins and it is appropriate that measures are taken to avoid such unacceptably highly contaminated maize and maize products can enter the food chain.(31)Intake estimates indicate that the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin can be of concern for public health. Therefore, the development of a reliable and sensitive method, collection of more occurrence data and more investigations/research in the factors involved in the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin in cereals and cereal products, in particular in oats and oat products, is necessary and of high priority.(32)It is not necessary due to co-occurrence to consider specific measures for 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol, 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol and fumonisin B3, as measures with regard to in particular deoxynivalenol and fumonisin B1 and B2 would also protect the human population from an unacceptable exposure from 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol, 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol and fumonisin B3. The same applies to nivalenol for which to a certain degree co-occurrence with deoxynivalenol can be observed. Furthermore, human exposure to nivalenol is estimated to be significantly below the t-TDI. As regards other trichothecenes considered in the abovementioned SCOOP-task, such as 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, fusarenon-X, T2-triol, diacetoxyscirpenol, neosolaniol, monoacetoxyscirpenol and verrucol, the limited information available indicates that they do not occur widely and the levels found are generally low.(33)Climatic conditions during the growth, in particular at flowering, have a major influence on the Fusarium toxin content. However, good agricultural practices, whereby the risk factors are reduced to a minimum, can prevent to a certain degree the contamination by Fusarium fungi. Commission Recommendation 2006/583/EC of 17 August 2006 on the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal productsOJ L 234, 29.8.2006, p. 35. contains general principles for the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxin contamination (zearalenone, fumonisins and trichothecenes) in cereals to be implemented by the development of national codes of practice based on these principles.(34)Maximum levels of Fusarium toxins should be set for unprocessed cereals placed on the market for first-stage processing. Cleaning, sorting and drying procedures are not considered as first-stage processing insofar as no physical action is exerted on the grain kernel itself. Scouring is to be considered as first-stage processing.(35)Since the degree to which Fusarium toxins in unprocessed cereals are removed by cleaning and processing may vary, it is appropriate to set maximum levels for final consumer cereal products as well as for major food ingredients derived from cereals to have enforceable legislation in the interest of ensuring public health protection.(36)For maize, not all factors involved in the formation of Fusarium toxins, in particular zearalenone and fumonisins B1 and B2, are yet precisely known. Therefore, a time period is granted to enable food business operators in the cereal chain to perform investigations on the sources of the formation of these mycotoxins and on the identification of the management measures to be taken to prevent their presence as far as reasonably possible. Maximum levels based on currently available occurrence data are proposed to apply from 2007 in case no specific maximum levels based on new information on occurrence and formation are set before that time.(37)Given the low contamination levels of Fusarium toxins found in rice, no maximum levels are proposed for rice or rice products.(38)A review of the maximum levels for deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin B1 and B2 as well as the appropriateness of setting a maximum level for T-2 and HT-2 toxin in cereals and cereal products should be considered by 1 July 2008, taking into account the progress in scientific and technological knowledge on these toxins in food.(39)As regards lead, the SCF adopted an opinion on 19 June 1992Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 32nd series, Opinion of the Scientific Committee for Food on "The potential risk to health presented by lead in food and drink", p. 7, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_reports_32.pdf endorsing the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of 25 μg/kg bw proposed by the WHO in 1986. The SCF concluded in its opinion that the mean level in foodstuffs does not seem to be a cause of immediate concern.(40)In the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC 2004 the SCOOP-task 3.2.11 "Assessment of the dietary exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury of the population of the EU Member States" was performed in 2004Reports on tasks for scientific co-operation, Task 3.2.11 "Assessment of dietary exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury of the population of the EU Member States". http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/scoop_3-2-11_heavy_metals_report_en.pdf. In view of this assessment and the opinion delivered by the SCF, it is appropriate to take measures to reduce the presence of lead in food as much as possible(41)As regards cadmium, the SCF endorsed in its opinion of 2 June 1995Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 36th series, Opinion of the Scientific Committee for Food on cadmium, p. 67, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_reports_36.pdf the PTWI of 7 μg/kg bw and recommended greater efforts to reduce dietary exposure to cadmium since foodstuffs are the main source of human intake of cadmium. A dietary exposure assessment was performed in the SCOOP-task 3.2.11. In view of this assessment and the opinion delivered by the SCF, it is appropriate to take measures to reduce the presence of cadmium in food as much as possible.(42)As regards mercury EFSA adopted on 24 February 2004 an opinion related to mercury and methylmercury in foodOpinion of the Scientific Panel on contaminants in the Food Chain of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on a request from the Commission related to mercury and methylmercury in food (adopted on 24 February 2004) http://www.efsa.eu.int/science/contam/contam_opinions/259/opinion_contam_01_en1.pdf and endorsed the provisional tolerable weekly intake of 1,6 μg/kg bw. Methylmercury is the chemical form of most concern and can make up more than 90 % of the total mercury in fish and seafood. Taking into account the outcome of the SCOOP-task 3.2.11, EFSA concluded that the levels of mercury found in foods, other than fish and seafood, were of lower concern. The forms of mercury present in these other foods are mainly not methylmercury and they are therefore considered to be of lower risk.(43)In addition to the setting of maximum levels, targeted consumer advice is an appropriate approach in the case of methylmercury for protecting vulnerable groups of the population. An information note on methylmercury in fish and fishery products responding to this need has therefore been made available on the website of the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General of the European Commissionhttp://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/information_note_mercury-fish_12-05-04.pdf. Several Member States have also issued advice on this issue that is relevant to their population.(44)As regards inorganic tin, the SCF concluded in its opinion of 12 December 2001Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on acute risks posed by tin in canned foods (adopted on 12 December 2001) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out110_en.pdf that levels of inorganic tin of 150 mg/kg in canned beverages and 250 mg/kg in other canned foods may cause gastric irritation in some individuals.(45)To protect public health from this health risk it is necessary to set maximum levels for inorganic tin in canned foods and canned beverages. Until data becomes available on the sensitivity of infants and young children to inorganic tin in foods, it is necessary on a precautionary basis to protect the health of this vulnerable population group and to establish lower maximum levels.(46)As regards 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) the SCF adopted on 30 May 2001 a scientific opinion as regards 3-MCPD in foodOpinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on 3-monochloro-propane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) updating the SCF opinion of 1994 (adopted on 30 May 2001) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out91_en.pdf, updating its opinion of 16 December 1994Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 36th series, Opinion of the Scientific Committee for Food on 3-monochloro-propane-1,2-diol 3-MCPD), p. 31, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/reports/scf_reports_36.pdf on the basis of new scientific information and established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 2 μg/kg bw for 3-MCPD.(47)In the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC the SCOOP-task "Collection and collation of data on levels of 3-MCPD and related substances in foodstuffs" was performed and finalised in June 2004Reports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.9 "Collection and collation of data on levels of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and related substances in foodstuffs". http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/scoop_3-2-9_final_report_chloropropanols_en.pdf. The main contributors of 3-MCPD to dietary intake were soy sauce and soy-sauce based products. Some other foods eaten in large quantities, such as bread and noodles, also contributed significantly to intake in some countries because of high consumption rather than high levels of 3-MCPD present in these foods.(48)Accordingly maximum levels should be set for 3-MCPD in hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP) and soy sauce taking into account the risk related to the consumption of these foods. 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.(49)As regards dioxins and PCBs, the SCF adopted on 30 May 2001 an opinion on dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in foodOpinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on the risk assessment of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food. Update based on new scientific information available since the adoption of the SCF opinion of 22nd November 2000 (adopted on 30 May 2001) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out90_en.pdf, updating its opinion of 22 November 2000Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on the risk assessment of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food. (adopted on 22 November 2000) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out78_en.pdf fixing a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 14 pg World Health Organisation toxic equivalent (WHO-TEQ)/kg bw for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs.(50)Dioxins as referred to in this Regulation cover a group of 75 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) congeners and 135 polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) congeners, of which 17 are of toxicological concern. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of 209 different congeners which can be divided into two groups according to their toxicological properties: 12 congeners exhibit toxicological properties similar to dioxins and are therefore often termed dioxin-like PCBs. The other PCBs do not exhibit dioxin-like toxicity but have a different toxicological profile.(51)Each congener of dioxins or dioxin-like PCBs exhibits a different level of toxicity. In order to be able to sum up the toxicity of these different congeners, the concept of toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) has been introduced to facilitate risk assessment and regulatory control. This means that the analytical results relating to all the individual dioxin and dioxin-like PCB congeners of toxicological concern are expressed in terms of a quantifiable unit, namely the TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQ).(52)Exposure estimates taking into account the SCOOP-task "Assessment of dietary intake of dioxins and related PCBs by the population of EU Member States" finalised in June 2000Reports on tasks for scientific cooperation, Task 3.2.5 "Assessment of dietary intake of dioxins and related PCBs by the population of EU Member States". http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/library/pub/pub08_en.pdf indicate that a considerable proportion of the Community population has a dietary intake in excess of the TWI.(53)From a toxicological point of view, any level set should apply to both dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, but in 2001 maximum levels were set on Community level only for dioxins and not for dioxin-like PCBs, given the very limited data available at that time on the prevalence of dioxin-like PCBs. Since 2001, however, more data on the presence of dioxin-like PCBs have become available, therefore, maximum levels for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs have been set in 2006 as this is the most appropriate approach from a toxicological point of view. In order to ensure a smooth transition, the levels for dioxins should continue to apply for a transitional period in addition to the levels for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. Foodstuffs must comply during that transitional period with the maximum levels for dioxins and with the maximum levels for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. Consideration will be given by 31 December 2008 to dispensing with the separate maximum levels for dioxins.(54)In order to encourage a proactive approach to reducing the dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs present in food and feed, action levels were set by Commission Recommendation 2006/88/EC of 6 February 2006 on the reduction of the presence of dioxins, furans and PCBs in feedingstuffs and foodstuffsOJ L 42, 14.2.2006, p. 26.. These action levels are a tool for competent authorities and operators to highlight those cases where it is appropriate to identify a source of contamination and to take measures to reduce or eliminate it. Since the sources of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs are different, separate action levels are determined for dioxins on the one hand and for dioxin-like PCBs on the other hand. This proactive approach to actively reduce the dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feed and food and consequently, the maximum levels applicable should be reviewed within a defined period of time with the objective to set lower levels. Therefore, consideration will be given by 31 December 2008 to significantly reducing the maximum levels for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs.(55)Operators need to make efforts to step up their capacity to remove dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs from marine oil. The significant lower level, to which consideration shall be given by 31 December 2008, shall be based on the technical possibilities of the most effective decontamination procedure.(56)As regards the establishment of maximum levels for other foodstuffs by 31 December 2008, particular attention shall be paid to the need to set specific lower maximum levels for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in foods for infants and young children in the light of the monitoring data obtained through the 2005, 2006 and 2007 programmes for monitoring dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in foods for infants and young children.(57)As regards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the SCF concluded in its opinion of 4 December 2002Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on the risks to human health of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in food (expressed on 4 December 2002) http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scf/out153_en.pdf that a number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are genotoxic carcinogens. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) performed in 2005 a risk assessment on PAHs and estimated margins of exposure (MOE) for PAH as a basis for advice on compounds that are both genotoxic and carcinogenicEvaluation of certain food contaminants — Report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives), 64th meeting, Rome, 8 to 17 February 2005, p. 1 and p. 61.WHO Technical Report Series, No. 930, 2006 — http://whqlibdoc.who.int/trs/WHO_TRS_930_eng.pdf.(58)According to the SCF, benzo(a)pyrene can be used as a marker for the occurrence and effect of carcinogenic PAH in food, including also benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(j)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, chrysene, cyclopenta(c,d)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, dibenzo(a,e)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)pyrene, dibenzo(a,i)pyrene, dibenzo(a,l)pyrene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and 5-methylchrysene. Further analyses of the relative proportions of these PAH in foods would be necessary to inform a future review of the suitability of maintaining benzo(a)pyrene as a marker. In addition benzo(c)fluorene should be analysed, following a recommendation of JECFA.(59)PAH can contaminate foods during smoking processes and heating and drying processes that allow combustion products to come into direct contact with food. In addition, environmental pollution may cause contamination with PAH, in particular in fish and fishery products.(60)In the framework of Directive 93/5/EEC, a specific SCOOP-task "Collection of occurrence data on PAH in food" has been performed in 2004Reports on tasks for scientific co-operation, Task 3.2.12 "Collection of occurrence data on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food". http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/scoop_3-2-12_final_report_pah_en.pdf. High levels were found in dried fruits, olive pomace oil, smoked fish, grape seed oil, smoked meat products, fresh molluscs, spices/sauces and condiments.(61)In order to protect public health, maximum levels are necessary for benzo(a)pyrene in certain foods containing fats and oils and in foods where smoking or drying processes might cause high levels of contamination. Maximum levels are also necessary in foods where environmental pollution may cause high levels of contamination, in particular in fish and fishery products, for example resulting from oil spills caused by shipping.(62)In some foods, such as dried fruit and food supplements, benzo(a)pyrene has been found, but available data are inconclusive on what levels are reasonably achievable. Further investigation is needed to clarify the levels that are reasonably achievable in these foods. In the meantime, maximum levels for benzo(a)pyrene in relevant ingredients should apply, such as in oils and fats used in food supplements.(63)The maximum levels for PAH and the appropriateness of setting a maximum level for PAH in cocoa butter should be reviewed 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.(64)The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1General rules1.The foodstuffs listed in the Annex shall not be placed on the market where they contain a contaminant listed in the Annex at a level exceeding the maximum level set out in the Annex.2.The maximum levels specified in the Annex shall apply to the edible part of the foodstuffs concerned, unless otherwise specified in the Annex.
Article 2Dried, diluted, processed and compound foodstuffs1.When applying the maximum levels set out in the Annex to foodstuffs which are dried, diluted, processed or composed of more than one ingredient, the following shall be taken into account:(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;(d)the analytical limit of quantification.2.The specific concentration or dilution factors for the drying, dilution, processing and/or mixing operations concerned or for the dried, diluted, processed and/or compound foodstuffs concerned shall be provided and justified by the food business operator, when the competent authority carries out an official control.If the food business operator does not provide the necessary concentration or dilution factor or if the competent authority deems that factor inappropriate in view of the justification given, the authority shall itself define that factor, based on the available information and with the objective of maximum protection of human health.3.Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall apply in so far as no specific Community maximum levels are fixed for these dried, diluted, processed or compound foodstuffs.4.As far as Community legislation does not provide for specific maximum levels for foods for infants and young children, Member States may provide for stricter levels.
Article 3Prohibitions on use, mixing and detoxification1.Foodstuffs not complying with the maximum levels set out in the Annex shall not be used as food ingredients.2.Foodstuffs complying with the maximum levels set out in the Annex shall not be mixed with foodstuffs which exceed these maximum levels.3.Foodstuffs to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment to reduce contamination levels shall not be mixed with foodstuffs intended for direct human consumption or with foodstuffs intended for use as a food ingredient.4.Foodstuffs containing contaminants listed in section 2 of the Annex (Mycotoxins) shall not be deliberately detoxified by chemical treatments.
Article 4Specific provisions for groundnut, other oilseeds, tree nuts, dried fruit, rice and maizeGroundnuts (peanuts), other oilseeds, tree nuts, dried fruit, rice and maize not complying with the appropriate maximum levels of aflatoxins laid down in points 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.1.10 and 2.1.11 of the Annex can be placed on the market provided that these foodstuffs:(a)are not intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs;(b)comply with the appropriate maximum levels laid down in points 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.1.9 and 2.1.12 of the Annex;(c)are subjected to a treatment involving sorting or other physical treatment and that after this treatment the maximum levels laid down in points 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.1.10 and 2.1.11 of the Annex are not exceeded, and this treatment does not result in other harmful residues;(d)are labelled clearly showing their use, and bearing the indication "product shall be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment to reduce aflatoxin contamination before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs". The indication shall be included on the label of each individual bag, box etc. and on the original accompanying document. The consignment/batch identification code shall be indelibly marked on each individual bag, box etc. of the consignment and on the original accompanying document.
Article 5Specific provisions for groundnuts (peanuts), other oilseeds, derived products thereof and cerealsA clear indication of the intended use must appear on the label of each individual bag, box, etc. and on the original accompanying document. This accompanying document must have a clear link with the consignment by means of mentioning the consignment identification code, which is on each individual bag, box, etc. of the consignment. In addition the business activity of the consignee of the consignment given on the accompanying document must be compatible with the intended use.In the absence of a clear indication that their intended use is not for human consumption, the maximum levels laid down in points 2.1.5 and 2.1.11 of the Annex shall apply to all groundnuts (peanuts), other oilseeds and derived products thereof and cereals placed on the market.As regards the exception of groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds for crushing and the application of the maximum levels laid down in point 2.1.1 of the Annex, the exception only applies to consignments which are clearly labelled showing their use and bearing the indication "product to be subject to crushing for the production of refined vegetable oil". The indication shall be included on the label of each individual bag, box etc. and on the accompanying document(s). The final destination must be a crushing plant.
Article 6Specific provisions for lettuceUnless lettuce grown under cover (protected lettuce) is labelled as such, maximum levels set in the Annex for lettuce grown in the open air (open-grown lettuce) shall apply.
Article 7Derogations1.By way of derogation from Article 1, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom may authorise until 31 December 2008 the placing on the market of 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 the Annex.2.By way of derogation from Article 1, Ireland and the United Kingdom may authorise until 31 December 2008 the placing on the market of 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 the Annex.3.By way of derogation from Article 1, France may authorise until 31 December 2008 the placing on the market of 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 the Annex.4.By way of derogation from Article 1, Finland, Sweden and Latvia may authorise the placing on their market of wild caught salmon (Salmo salar) and products thereof originating in the Baltic region and intended for consumption in their territory with levels of dioxins and/or dioxin-like PCBs and/or non-dioxin-like PCBs higher than those set out in point 5.3 of the Annex, provided that a system is in place to ensure that consumers are fully informed of the dietary recommendations with regard to the restrictions on the consumption of wild caught salmon from the Baltic region and products thereof by identified vulnerable sections of the population in order to avoid potential health risks.Finland, Sweden and Latvia shall continue to apply the necessary measures to ensure that wild caught salmon and products thereof not complying with point 5.3 of the Annex are not marketed in other Member States.Finland, Sweden and Latvia will report yearly to the Commission the measures they have taken to effectively inform the identified vulnerable sections of the population of the dietary recommendations and to ensure that wild caught salmon and products thereof not compliant with the maximum levels is not marketed in other Member States. They shall furthermore provide evidence of the effectiveness of these measures.5.By way of derogation from Article 1, Finland and Sweden may authorise the placing on their market of wild caught herring larger than 17 cm (Clupea harengus), wild caught char (Salvelinus spp.), wild caught river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and wild caught trout (Salmo trutta) and products thereof originating in the Baltic region and intended for consumption in their territory with levels of dioxins and/or dioxin-like PCBs and/or non dioxin-like PCBs higher than those set out in point 5.3 of the Annex, provided that a system is in place to ensure that consumers are fully informed of the dietary recommendations with regard to the restrictions on the consumption of wild caught herring larger than 17 cm, wild caught char, wild caught river lamprey and wild caught trout from the Baltic region and products thereof by identified vulnerable sections of the population in order to avoid potential health risks.Finland and Sweden shall continue to apply the necessary measures to ensure that wild caught herring larger than 17 cm, wild caught char, wild caught river lamprey and wild caught trout and products thereof not complying with point 5.3 of the Annex are not marketed in other Member States.Finland and Sweden will report yearly to the Commission the measures they have taken to effectively inform the identified vulnerable sections of the population of the dietary recommendations and to ensure that fish and products thereof not compliant with the maximum levels is not marketed in other Member States. They shall furthermore provide evidence of the effectiveness of these measures.
Article 8Sampling and analysisThe sampling and the analysis for the official control of the maximum levels specified in the Annex shall be performed in accordance with Commission Regulations (EC) No 1882/2006See page 25 of this Official Journal., No 401/2006OJ L 70, 9.3.2006, p. 12., No 1883/2006See page 32 of this Official Journal. and Commission Directives 2001/22/ECOJ L 77, 16.3.2001, p. 14. Directive as amended by Directive 2005/4/EC (OJ L 19, 21.1.2005, p. 50)., 2004/16/ECOJ L 42, 13.2.2004, p. 16. and 2005/10/ECOJ L 34, 8.2.2005, p. 15..
Article 9Monitoring and reporting1.Member States shall monitor nitrate levels in vegetables which may contain significant levels, in particular green leaf vegetables, and communicate the result to EFSA on a regular basis.2.Member States and interested parties shall communicate each year to the Commission the results of investigations undertaken and the progress with regard to the application of prevention measures to avoid contamination by ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin B1 and B2, T-2 and HT-2 toxin. The Commission shall make the results available to the Member States. The related occurrence data shall be reported to EFSA.3.Member States shall report to the Commission findings on aflatoxins obtained in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1152/2009OJ L 313, 28.11.2009, p. 40.. Member States should report to EFSA findings on furan, ethylcarbamate, perfluoroalkylated substances and acrylamide obtained in accordance with Commission Recommendations 2007/196/ECOJ L 88, 29.3.2007, p. 56., 2010/133/EUOJ L 52, 3.3.2010, p. 53., 2010/161/EUOJ L 68, 18.3.2010, p. 22. and 2010/307/EUOJ L 137, 3.6.2010, p. 4..4.Occurrence data on contaminants collected by Member States should, if appropriate, also be reported to EFSA.
Article 10RepealRegulation (EC) No 466/2001 is repealed.References to the repealed Regulation shall be construed as references to this Regulation.
Article 11Transitional measuresThis Regulation shall not apply to products that were placed on the market before the dates referred to in points (a) to (f) in conformity with the provisions applicable at the respective date:(a)1 July 2006 as regards the maximum levels for deoxynivalenol and zearalenone laid down in points 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.4, 2.4.5, 2.4.6, 2.4.7, 2.5.1, 2.5.3, 2.5.5 and 2.5.7 of the Annex;(b)1 October 2007 as regards the maximum levels for deoxynivalenol and zearalenone laid down in points 2.4.3, 2.4.8, 2.4.9, 2.5.2, 2.5.4, 2.5.6, 2.5.8, 2.5.9 and 2.5.10 of the Annex;(c)1 October 2007 as regards the maximum levels for fumonisins B1 and B2 laid down in point 2.6 of the Annex;(d)4 November 2006 as regards the maximum levels for the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs laid down in section 5 of the Annex;(e)01 January 2012 as regards the maximum levels for non dioxin-like PCBs laid down in section 5 of the Annex;(f)01 January 2015 as regards the maximum level for Ochratoxin A in Capsicum spp. laid down in point 2.2.11. of the Annex.The burden of proving when the products were placed on the market shall be borne by the food business operator.
Article 12Entry into force and applicationThis Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.It shall apply from 1 March 2007.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.ANNEXMaximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffsThe maximum level is to be reviewed before 1 January 2016 in the light of information on exposure to citrinin from other foodstuffs and updated information on the toxicity of citrinin in particular as regards carcinogenicity and genotoxicity.As regards fruits, vegetables and cereals, reference is made to the foodstuffs listed in the relevant category as defined in Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC (OJ L 70, 16.3.2005, p. 1) as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 178/2006 (OJ L 29, 2.2.2006, p. 3). This means, inter alia, that buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp) is included in "cereals" and buckwheat products are included in "cereal products". Tree nuts are not covered by the maximum level for fruit.The maximum levels do not apply for fresh spinach to be subjected to processing and which is directly transported in bulk from field to processing plant.Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Commission Directive 2006/125/EC of 5 December 2006 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children (OJ L 339, 6.12.2006, p. 16).The maximum level refers to the products ready to use (marketed as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer).The maximum levels refer to the edible part of groundnuts (peanuts) and tree nuts. If groundnuts (peanuts) and tree nuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed when calculating the aflatoxin content all the contamination is on the edible part, except in the case of Brazil nuts.Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin (OJ L 226, 25.6.2004, p. 22).The maximum level refers to the dry matter. The dry matter is determined in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 401/2006.Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Commission Directive 2006/141/EC (OJ L 401, 30.12.2006, p. 1).Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in 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 in the case of milk and milk products, to the products ready for use (marketed as such or reconstituted as instructed by the manufacturer) and in the case of products other than milk and milk products, to the dry matter. The dry matter is determined in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 401/2006.Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in wine (OJ L 179, 14.7.1999, p. 1) as last amended by the Protocol concerning the conditions and arrangements for admission of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union (OJ L 157, 21.6.2005, p. 29).The maximum level applies to products produced from the 2005 harvest onwards.Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 of 10 June 1991 laying down general rules on the definition, description and presentation of aromatised wines, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails (OJ L 149, 14.6.1991, p. 1) as last amended by the Protocol concerning the conditions and arrangements for admission of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union. 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.Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in 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).Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in Council Regulation (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 the Protocol concerning the conditions and arrangements for admission of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union.Infants and young children as defined in Directive 2006/141/EC (OJ L 401, 30.12.2006, p. 1) and Directive 2006/125/EC.For the purpose of the application of maximum levels for deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxin established in points 2.4, 2.5 and 2.7 rice is not included in "cereals" and rice products are not included in "cereal products".The maximum level applies to unprocessed 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 no physical action is exerted on the grain kernel itself and the whole grain remains intact after cleaning and sorting. In integrated production and processing systems, the maximum level applies to the unprocessed cereals in case they are intended for first-stage processing.The maximum level applies to cereals harvested and taken over, as from the 2005/06 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 1068/2005 (OJ L 174, 7.7.2005, p. 65).Maximum level shall apply from 1 October 2007.This category includes also similar products otherwise denominated such as semolina.Pasta (dry) means pasta with a water content of approximately 12 %.Maximum level shall apply from 1 October 2007.Fish listed in this category as defined in category (a), with the exclusion of fish liver falling under code CN 03027000, of the list in Article 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 (OJ L 17, 21.1.2000, p. 22) as last amended by the Act concerning 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 (OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 33). In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound foodstuffs Article 2(1) and 2(2) apply.Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level shall apply to the whole fish.Foodstuffs falling within category (c) and (f) of the list in Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 104/2000, as appropriate (species as listed in the relevant entry). In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound foodstuffs Article 2(1) and 2(2) apply. In case of Pecten maximus, the maximum level applies to the adductor muscle and gonad only.The maximum level applies after washing of the fruit or vegetables and separating the edible part.The maximum level applies to products produced from the 2001 fruit harvest onwards.The maximum level refers to the product as sold.The maximum level is given for the liquid product containing 40 % dry matter, corresponding to a maximum level of 50 μg/kg in the dry matter. The level needs to be adjusted proportionally according to the dry matter content of the products.Dioxins (sum of polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), expressed as World Health Organisation (WHO) toxic equivalent using the WHO-toxic equivalency factors (WHO-TEFs)) and sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (sum of PCDDs, PCDFs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), expressed as WHO toxic equivalent using the WHO-TEFs). WHO-TEFs for human risk assessment based on the conclusions of the World Health Organization (WHO) – International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) expert meeting which was held in Geneva in June 2005 (Martin van den Berg et al., The 2005 World Health Organization Re-evaluation of Human and Mammalian Toxic Equivalency Factors for Dioxins and Dioxin-like Compounds. Toxicological Sciences 93(2), 223–241 (2006))
Dibenzo-p-dioxins ("PCDDs")Dibenzofurans ("PCDFs")"Dioxin-like" PCBs Non-ortho PCBs + Mono-ortho PCBsNon-ortho PCBsMono-ortho PCBs
CongenerTEF value
2,3,7,8-TCDD1
1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD1
1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD0,1
1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD0,1
1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD0,1
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD0,01
OCDD0,0003
2,3,7,8-TCDF0,1
1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF0,03
2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF0,3
1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF0,1
1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF0,1
1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF0,1
2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF0,1
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF0,01
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF0,01
OCDF0,0003
PCB 770,0001
PCB 810,0003
PCB 1260,1
PCB 1690,03
PCB 1050,00003
PCB 1140,00003
PCB 1180,00003
PCB 1230,00003
PCB 1560,00003
PCB 1570,00003
PCB 1670,00003
PCB 1890,00003
Abbreviations used: "T" = tetra; "Pe" = penta; "Hx" = hexa; "Hp" = hepta; "O" = octa; "CDD" = chlorodibenzodioxin; "CDF" = chlorodibenzofuran; "CB" = chlorobiphenyl.Upperbound concentrations: Upperbound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all the values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification.The maximum level expressed on fat is not applicable for foods containing < 2 % fat. For foods containing less than 2 % fat, the maximum level applicable is the level on product basis corresponding to the level on product basis for the food containing 2 % fat, calculated from the maximum level established on fat basis, making use of following formula:Maximum level expressed on product basis for foods containing less than 2 % fat = maximum level expressed on fat for that food x 0,02.Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in categories (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f) of the list in Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 104/2000, with the exclusion of fish liver referred to in point 5.11.Benzo(a)pyrene, for which maximum levels are listed, is used as a marker for the occurrence and effect of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These measures therefore provide full harmonisation on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the listed foods across the Member States.Foodstuffs listed in this category as defined in categories (b), (c), and (f) of the list in Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 104/2000.The exemption applies only for maize for which it is evident e.g. through labelling, destination, that it is intended for use in a wet milling process only (starch production).In the case of canned fish liver, the maximum level applies to the whole edible content of the can.The maximum level applies to the food supplements as sold.Oilseeds falling under codes CN 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207 and derived products CN 1208; melon seeds fall under code ex120799.In case derived/processed products thereof are derived/processed solely or almost solely from the tree nuts concerned, the maximum levels as established for the corresponding tree nuts apply also to the derived/processed products. In other cases, Article 2(1) and 2(2) apply for the derived/processed products.The maximum level applies to the pure and undiluted extract, obtained whereby 1 kg of extract is obtained from 3 to 4 kg liquorice root.The maximum level for leaf vegetables does not apply to fresh herbs (falling under Code number 0256000 in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005).This definition excludes the cephalothorax of crustaceans.Lower bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all the values of the four substances below the limit of quantification are zero.Meat and meat products that have undergone a heat treatment potentially resulting in formation of PAH, i.e. only grilling and barbecuing.For the canned product the analysis shall be carried out on the whole content of the can. As regards the maximum level for the whole composite product Art. 2(1)(c) and 2(2) shall apply.The maximum level does not apply to food for which it can be proven that the level of melamine higher than 2,5 mg/kg is the consequence of authorized use of cyromazine as insecticide. The melamine level shall not exceed the level of cyromazine.For the specific cocoa and chocolate products the definitions set out in points A. 2, 3 and 4 of Annex I to Directive 2000/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 June 2000 relating to cocoa and chocolate products intended for human consumption (OJ L 197, 3.8.2000, p. 19) apply.
Section 1:Nitrate
FoodstuffsMaximum levels (mg NO3/kg)
1.1Fresh spinach (Spinacia oleracea)3500
1.2Preserved, deep-frozen or frozen spinach2000
1.3Fresh Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) (protected and open-grown lettuce) excluding lettuce listed in point 1.4Harvested 1 October to 31 March:
lettuce grown under cover5000
lettuce grown in the open air4000
Harvested 1 April to 30 September:
lettuce grown under cover4000
lettuce grown in the open air3000
1.4"Iceberg" type lettuceLettuce grown under cover2500
Lettuce grown in the open air2000
1.5Rucola (Eruca sativa, Diplotaxis sp., Brassica tenuifolia, Sisymbrium tenuifolium)Harvested 1 October to 31 March:7000
Harvested 1 April to 30 September:6000
1.6Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children200
Section 2:Mycotoxins
FoodstuffsMaximum levels (μg/kg)
2.1.AflatoxinsB1Sum of B1, B2, G1 and G2M1
2.1.1.Groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds, to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs,with the exception of:groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds for crushing for refined vegetable oil production8,015,0—
2.1.2.Almonds, pistachios and apricot kernels to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs12,015,0—
2.1.3.Hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs8,015,0
2.1.4.Tree nuts, other than the tree nuts listed in 2.1.2 and 2.1.3, to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs5,010,0—
2.1.5.Groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds and processed products thereof, intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs,with the exception of:crude vegetable oils destined for refiningrefined vegetable oils2,04,0—
2.1.6.Almonds, pistachios and apricot kernels, intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs8,010,0—
2.1.7.Hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs5,010,0
2.1.8.Tree nuts, other than the tree nuts listed in 2.1.6 and 2.1.7, and processed products thereof, intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs2,04,0—
2.1.9.Dried fruit, other than dried figs, to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs5,010,0—
2.1.10.Dried fruit, other than dried figs, and processed products thereof, intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs2,04,0—
2.1.11.All cereals and all products derived from cereals, including processed cereal products, with the exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.1.12, 2.1.15 and 2.1.172,04,0—
2.1.12.Maize and rice to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs5,010,0—
2.1.13.Raw milk, heat-treated milk and milk for the manufacture of milk-based products——0,050
2.1.14.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)Mixtures of spices containing one or more of the abovementioned spices5,010,0—
2.1.15.Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children0,10——
2.1.16.Infant formulae and follow-on formulae, including infant milk and follow-on milk——0,025
2.1.17.Dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants0,10—0,025
2.1.18.Dried figs6,010,0—
2.2Ochratoxin A
2.2.1Unprocessed cereals5,0
2.2.2.All products derived from unprocessed cereals, including processed cereal products and cereals intended for direct human consumption with the exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.2.9, 2.2.10 and 2.2.133,0
2.2.3Dried vine fruit (currants, raisins and sultanas)10,0
2.2.4Roasted coffee beans and ground roasted coffee, excluding soluble coffee5,0
2.2.5Soluble coffee (instant coffee)10,0
2.2.6Wine (including sparkling wine, excluding liqueur wine and wine with an alcoholic strength of not less than 15 % vol) and fruit wine2,0
2.2.7Aromatised wine, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails2,0
2.2.8Grape juice, concentrated grape juice as reconstituted, grape nectar, grape must and concentrated grape must as reconstituted, intended for direct human consumption2,0
2.2.9Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children0,50
2.2.10Dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants0,50
2.2.11.Spices, including dried spices
Piper spp (fruits thereof, including white and black pepper)Myristica fragrans (nutmeg)Zingiber officinale (ginger)Curcuma longa (turmeric)15 μg/kg
Capsicum spp. (dried fruits thereof, whole or ground, including chillies, chilli powder, cayenne and paprika)30 μg/kg until 31.12.201415 μg/kg as from 1.1.2015
Mixtures of spices containing one of the abovementioned spices15 μg/kg
2.2.12.Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza inflate and other species)
2.2.12.1.Liquorice root, ingredient for herbal infusion20 μg/kg
2.2.12.2.Liquorice extract, for use in food in particular beverages and confectionary80 μg/kg
2.2.13.Wheat gluten not sold directly to the consumer8,0
2.3Patulin
2.3.1Fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices as reconstituted and fruit nectars50
2.3.2Spirit drinks, cider and other fermented drinks derived from apples or containing apple juice50
2.3.3Solid apple products, including apple compote, apple puree intended for direct consumption with the exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.3.4 and 2.3.525
2.3.4Apple juice and solid apple products, including apple compote and apple puree, for infants and young children and labelled and sold as such10,0
2.3.5Baby foods other than processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children10,0
2.4Deoxynivalenol
2.4.1Unprocessed cereals other than durum wheat, oats and maize1250
2.4.2Unprocessed durum wheat and oats1750
2.4.3Unprocessed maize, with the exception of unprocessed maize intended to be processed by wet milling1750
2.4.4Cereals intended for direct human consumption, cereal flour, bran and germ as end product marketed for direct human consumption, with the exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.4.7, 2.4.8 and 2.4.9750
2.4.5Pasta (dry)750
2.4.6Bread (including small bakery wares), pastries, biscuits, cereal snacks and breakfast cereals500
2.4.7Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children200
2.4.8Milling fractions of maize with particle size > 500 micron falling within CN code 110313 or 11032040 and other maize milling products with particle size > 500 micron not used for direct human consumption falling within CN code 19041010750
2.4.9Milling fractions of maize with particle size ≤ 500 micron falling within CN code 110220 and other maize milling products with particle size ≤ 500 micron not used for direct human consumption falling within CN code 190410101250
2.5Zearalenone
2.5.1Unprocessed cereals other than maize100
2.5.2Unprocessed maize with the exception of unprocessed maize intended to be processed by wet milling350
2.5.3Cereals intended for direct human consumption, cereal flour, bran and germ as end product marketed for direct human consumption, with the exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.5.6, 2.5.7, 2.5.8, 2.5.9 and 2.5.1075
2.5.4Refined maize oil400
2.5.5Bread (including small bakery wares), pastries, biscuits, cereal snacks and breakfast cereals, excluding maize-snacks and maize-based breakfast cereals50
2.5.6Maize intended for direct human consumption, maize-based snacks and maize-based breakfast cereals100
2.5.7Processed cereal-based foods (excluding processed maize-based foods) and baby foods for infants and young children20
2.5.8Processed maize-based foods for infants and young children20
2.5.9Milling fractions of maize with particle size > 500 micron falling within CN code 110313 or 11032040 and other maize milling products with particle size > 500 micron not used for direct human consumption falling within CN code 19041010200
2.5.10Milling fractions of maize with particle size ≤ 500 micron falling within CN code 110220 and other maize milling products with particle size ≤ 500 micron not used for direct human consumption falling within CN code 19041010300
2.6FumonisinsSum of B1 and B2
2.6.1Unprocessed maize, with the exception of unprocessed maize intended to be processed by wet milling4000
2.6.2Maize intended for direct human consumption, maize-based foods for direct human consumption, with the exception of foodstuffs listed in 2.6.3 and 2.6.41000
2.6.3Maize-based breakfast cereals and maize-based snacks800
2.6.4Processed maize-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children200
2.6.5Milling fractions of maize with particle size > 500 micron falling within CN code 110313 or 11032040 and other maize milling products with particle size > 500 micron not used for direct human consumption falling within CN code 190410101400
2.6.6Milling fractions of maize with particle size ≤ 500 micron falling within CN code 110220 and other maize milling products with particle size ≤ 500 micron not used for direct human consumption falling within CN code 190410102000
2.7T-2 and HT-2 toxinSum of T-2 and HT-2 toxin
2.7.1Unprocessed cereals and cereal products
2.8Citrinin
2.8.1Food supplements based on rice fermented with red yeast Monascus purpureus2000
Section 3:Metals
FoodstuffsMaximum levels(mg/kg wet weight)
3.1Lead
3.1.1Raw milk, heat-treated milk and milk for the manufacture of milk-based products0,020
3.1.2Infant formulae and follow-on formulae0,020
3.1.3Meat (excluding offal) of bovine animals, sheep, pig and poultry0,10
3.1.4Offal of bovine animals, sheep, pig and poultry0,50
3.1.5Muscle meat of fish0,30
3.1.6Crustaceans: muscle meat from appendages and abdomen. In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura) muscle meat from appendages.0,50
3.1.7Bivalve molluscs1,5
3.1.8Cephalopods (without viscera)1,0
3.1.9Legume vegetables, cereals and pulses0,20
3.1.10Vegetables, excluding brassica vegetables, leaf vegetables, fresh herbs, fungi and seaweed. For potatoes the maximum level applies to peeled potatoes.0,10
3.1.11Brassica vegetables, leaf vegetables and the following fungi: Agaricus bisporus (common mushroom), Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom), Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom)0,30
3.1.12Fruit, excluding berries and small fruit0,10
3.1.13Berries and small fruit0,20
3.1.14Fats and oils, including milk fat0,10
3.1.15Fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices as reconstituted and fruit nectars0,050
3.1.16Wine (including sparkling wine, excluding liqueur wine), cider, perry and fruit wine0,20
3.1.17Aromatized wine, aromatized wine-based drinks and aromatized wine-product cocktails0,20
3.1.18Food supplements3,0
3.2Cadmium
3.2.1Vegetables and fruit, excluding root and tuber vegetables, leaf vegetables, fresh herbs, leafy brassica, stem vegetables, fungi and seaweed0,050
3.2.2Root and tuber vegetables (excluding celeriac, parsnips, salsify and horseradish), stem vegetables (excluding celery). For potatoes the maximum level applies to peeled potatoes0,10
3.2.3Leaf vegetables, fresh herbs, leafy brassica, celery, celeriac, parsnips, salsify, horseradish and the following fungi: Agaricus bisporus (common mushroom), Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom), Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom)0,20
3.2.4Fungi, excluding those listed in point 3.2.31,0
3.2.5Cereal grains excluding wheat and rice0,10
3.2.6Wheat grains, rice grainsWheat bran and wheat germ for direct consumptionSoy beans0,20
3.2.7Specific cocoa and chocolate products as listed below
—Milk chocolate with < 30 % total dry cocoa solids0,10 as from 1 January 2019
—Chocolate with < 50 % total dry cocoa solids; milk chocolate with ≥ 30 % total dry cocoa solids0,30 as from 1 January 2019
—Chocolate with ≥ 50 % total dry cocoa solids0,80 as from 1 January 2019
—Cocoa powder sold to the final consumer or as an ingredient in sweetened cocoa powder sold to the final consumer (drinking chocolate)0,60 as from 1 January 2019
3.2.8Meat (excluding offal) of bovine animals, sheep, pig and poultry0,050
3.2.9Horsemeat, excluding offal0,20
3.2.10Liver of bovine animals, sheep, pig, poultry and horse0,50
3.2.11Kidney of bovine animals, sheep, pig, poultry and horse1,0
3.2.12Muscle meat of fish, excluding species listed in points 3.2.13, 3.2.14 and 3.2.150,050
3.2.13Muscle meat of the following fish:mackerel (Scomber species), tuna (Thunnus species, Katsuwonus pelamis, Euthynnus species), bichique (Sicyopterus lagocephalus)0,10
3.2.14Muscle meat of the following fish:bullet tuna (Auxis species)0,15
3.2.15Muscle meat of the following fish:anchovy (Engraulis species)swordfish (Xiphias gladius)sardine (Sardina pilchardus)0,25
3.2.16Crustaceans: muscle meat from appendages and abdomen. In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura) muscle meat from appendages0,50
3.2.17Bivalve molluscs1,0
3.2.18Cephalopods (without viscera)1,0
3.2.19Infant formulae and follow on-formulae
—powdered formulae manufac- tured from cows' milk proteins or protein hydrolysates0,010 as from 1 January 2015
—liquid formulae manufactured from cows' milk proteins or protein hydrolysates0,005 as from 1 January 2015
—powdered formulae manufac-tured from soya protein isolates, alone or in a mixture with cows' milk proteins0,020 as from 1 January 2015
—liquid formulae manufactured from soya protein isolates, alone or in a mixture with cows' milk proteins0,010 as from 1 January 2015
3.2.20Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children0,040 as from 1 January 2015
3.2.21Food supplements excl. food supplements listed in point 3.2.221,0
3.2.22Food supplements consisting exclusively or mainly of dried seaweed, products derived from seaweed, or of dried bivalve molluscs3,0
3.3Mercury
3.3.1Fishery products and muscle meat of fish, excluding species listed in 3.3.2. The maximum level for crustaceans applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen. In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura) it applies to muscle meat from appendages.0,50
3.3.2Muscle 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)kingklip (Genypterus capensis)marlin (Makaira species)megrim (Lepidorhombus species)mullet (Mullus species)pink cusk eel (Genypterus blacodes)pike (Esox lucius)plain bonito (Orcynopsis unicolor)poor cod (Tricopterus minutes)Portuguese dogfish (Centroscymnus 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)1,0
3.3.3Food supplements0,10
3.4Tin (inorganic)
3.4.1Canned foods other than beverages200
3.4.2Canned beverages, including fruit juices and vegetable juices100
3.4.3Canned baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children, excluding dried and powdered products50
3.4.4Canned infant formulae and follow-on formulae (including infant milk and follow-on milk), excluding dried and powdered products50
3.4.5Canned dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants, excluding dried and powdered products50
Section 4:3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD)
FoodstuffsMaximum levels(μg/kg)
4.1Hydrolysed vegetable protein20
4.2Soy sauce20
Section 5:Dioxins and PCBs
FoodstuffsMaximum levels
Sum of dioxins (WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ)Sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBS (WHO-PCDD/F-PCB-TEQ)Sum of PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB138, PCB153 and PCB180 (ICES – 6)
5.1Meat and meat products (excluding edible offal) of the following animals:
—bovine animals and sheep2,5 pg/g fat4,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
—poultry1,75 pg/g fat3,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
—pigs1,0 pg/g fat1,25 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
5.2Liver of terrestrial animals referred to in 5.1 with the exception of sheep and derived products thereof0,30 pg/g wet weight0,50 pg/g wet weight3,0 ng/g wet weight
Liver of sheep and derived products thereof1,25 pg/g wet weight2,00 pg/g wet weight3,0 ng/g wet weight
5.3Muscle meat of fish and fishery products and products thereof, with the exemption of:wild caught eelwild caught fresh water fish, with the exception of diadromous fish species caught in fresh waterfish liver and derived productsmarine oilsThe maximum level for crustaceans applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen. In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura) it applies to muscle meat from appendages.3,5 pg/g wet weight6,5 pg/g wet weight75 ng/g wet weight
5.4Muscle meat of wild caught fresh water fish, with the exception of diadromous fish species caught in fresh water, and products thereof3,5 pg/g wet weight6,5 pg/g wet weight125 ng/g wet weight
5.5Muscle meat of wild caught eel (Anguilla anguilla) and products thereof3,5 pg/g wet weight10,0 pg/g wet weight300 ng/g wet weight
5.6Fish liver and derived products thereof with the exception of marine oils referred to in point 5.7—20,0 pg/g wet weight200 ng/g wet weight
5.7Marine oils (fish body oil, fish liver oil and oils of other marine organisms intended for human consumption)1,75 pg/g fat6,0 pg/g fat200 ng/g fat
5.8Raw milk and dairy products, including butter fat2,5 pg/g fat5,5 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
5.9Hen eggs and egg products2,5 pg/g fat5,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
5.10Fat of the following animals:
—bovine animals and sheep2,5 pg/g fat4,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
—poultry1,75 pg/g fat3,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
—pigs1,0 pg/g fat1,25 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
5.11Mixed animal fats1,5 pg/g fat2,50 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
5.12Vegetable oils and fats0,75 pg/g fat1,25 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
5.13Foods for infants and young children0,1 pg/g wet weight0,2 pg/g wet weight1,0 ng/g wet weight
Section 6:Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
FoodstuffsMaximum levels (μg/kg)
6.1Benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and chryseneBenzo(a)pyreneSum of benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and chrysene
6.1.1Oils and fats (excluding cocoa butter and coconut oil) intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in food2,010,0
6.1.2Cocoa beans and derived products5,0 μg/kg fat as from 1.4.201335,0 μg/kg fat as from 1.4.2013 until 31.3.201530,0 μg/kg fat as from 1.4.2015
6.1.3Coconut oil intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in food2,020,0
6.1.4Smoked meat and smoked meat products5,0 until 31.8.20142,0 as from 1.9.201430,0 as from 1.9.2012 until 31.8.201412,0 as from 1.9.2014
6.1.5Muscle meat of smoked fish and smoked fishery products, excluding fishery products listed in points 6.1.6 and 6.1.7. The maximum level for smoked crustaceans applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen. In case of smoked crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura) it applies to muscle meat from appendages.5,0 until 31.8.20142,0 as from 1.9.201430,0 as from 1.9.2012 until 31.8.201412,0 as from 1.9.2014
6.1.6Smoked sprats and canned smoked sprats (sprattus sprattus); bivalve molluscs (fresh, chilled or frozen); heat treated meat and heat treated meat products sold to the final consumer5,030,0
6.1.7Bivalve molluscs (smoked)6,035,0
6.1.8Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children1,01,0
6.1.9Infant formulae and follow-on formulae, including infant milk and follow-on milk1,01,0
6.1.10Dietary foods for special medical purposes intended specifically for infants1,01,0
Section 7:Melamine and its structural analogues
FoodstuffsMaximum levels(mg/kg)
7.1.Melamine
7.1.1.Food with the exception of infant formulae and follow-on formulae2,5
7.1.2.Powdered infant formulae and follow-on formulae1