Upcoming reassessment of bromide levels in food and animal feed
Evaluation of EFSA's public consultation on the draft of its scientific opinion
Oct 2024. In August 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on its draft scientific opinion on the health risks posed by the presence of bromide in food and feed[1]. The aim is to assess the general toxicity of bromide, to derive toxicological reference values and to review the current maximum residue levels (MRLs) regarding the MRL exceedance.
We will give you an overview of the occurrence of bromides, their toxicity and the background of the re-evaluation made by the EFSA.
Occurrence of bromides
Bromides are salts of hydrobromic acid and organic compounds that contain bromine. They belong to the halides and can be found in various forms in nature. In their natural form, they are mainly found in seawater and certain rocks, but they can also be formed as a decomposition product of methyl bromide. Brominated compounds are also used in flame retardants, among other things.
Ban on methyl bromide in the European Union
In the European Union, the use of methyl bromide in agriculture as a pesticide has been banned since 2010 due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer and its potential health risks for humans and animals. However, according to Regulation (EU) 2024/590[2], the use of methyl bromide could be authorised as an exception in certain emergencies and upon application to the European Commission.
Methyl bromide has been used in agriculture as a pesticide and fumigant to control pests and weeds in various crops, especially in greenhouses and for soil treatment.
Reassessment of bromide levels by the EFSA
Bromides are normally harmless in low doses. However, in high concentrations they can cause health problems, e.g. respiratory and neurological symptoms. To assess possible risks to human and animal health, the EFSA was asked by the EU Commission to revaluate the general toxicity of bromide to humans and animals. Toxicological reference values for bromide should be derived and the current MRLs in Regulation (EC) No 396/2005[3] should also be reviewed with regard to the MRL exceedance.
Interested parties were able to submit comments on the draft until 6 September 2024. EFSA has not yet issued a final scientific opinion on the reassessment of bromide in food and feed based on the comments received.
We support you in the analysis
Monitoring bromide and methyl bromide levels in food can help to minimise health risks for consumers. For methyl bromide in particular, it is important to ensure that no harmful residues are present in food. As a highly qualified network of food & feed testing laboratories, we analyse your products on bromide and methyl bromide levels to ensure that they are within safe limits. Rely on our precise results and benefit from our professional advice.
Get in touch with us
Do you have questions about the analysis of bromide and methyl bromide? Contact your personal account manager or get in touch with our experts directly.
Relevant sources
[1] EFSA Public Consultations: Draft Scientific Opinion on the risks to human and animal health from the presence of bromide in food and feed
[2] Regulation (EU) 2024/590 on substances that deplete the ozone layer
[3] Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin
