Extension and changes in EU Maximum Levels for Dioxins and PCBs in selected foodstuffs
Dez 2022. On 21 October 2022, the European Union adopted an amending regulation to Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. This includes an extension of the existing EU maximum levels for dioxins and PCBs to foodstuffs of other animal species and a reduction of the maximum levels for milk and milk products. The changes will be effective from 01 January 2023.
Dioxins and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Everything you need to know about dioxins and PCBs in general can be found in our article "Dioxins and PCBs in food and feed - a solved topic?".
EFSA risk assessment on dioxins and PCBs
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for dioxins and PCBs of 2 pg TEQ per kg body weight per week in November 2018, which is about seven times lower than previously established tolerable intakes. See our previous article for more information: "EFSA focus on environmental contaminants".
Modification of maximum levels for dioxins and PCBs in certain foodstuffs in the EU
With reference to this opinion, Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2002 amending the existing maximum levels for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food was adopted on 21 October 2022. The original document can be found here.
This regulation amended some of the maximum levels for dioxins and PCBs set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. The amendments entered into force on 13 November 2022 and are valid from 01 January 2023. Food legally placed on the market by Jan. 1, 2023, may remain on the market until its best-before or use-by date.
These are the changes in detail:
|
Food product |
Change |
Justification |
|
Meat and meat products |
New maximum levels for meat from goats, horses, rabbits, wild boar (Sus scrofa), wild game birds and venison |
Occurence data on dioxins and PCBs available |
|
Liver of terrestrial animals and derived products thereof |
New maximum levels for liver from goats, horses and wild game birds |
Occurence data on dioxins and PCBs available |
|
Crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura) |
Maximum content no longer applies only to the muscle meat from apendages |
In the EU, the abdomen of these animals (especially mitten crabs) is also sometimes consumed ("brown crab meat"). |
|
Raw milk and dairy products including butter fat |
Reduction of existing maximum levels |
Importance to ensure a high level of human health protection, in particular for vulnerable groups of the population |
|
Eggs and egg products |
Extension of maximum levels for chicken eggs to other poultry except goose eggs |
Occurence data on dioxins and PCBs available |
Overview of all EU maximum levels for dioxins and PCBs in food at a glance
A complete overview of all EU maximum levels for dioxins and PCBs in foodstuffs applicable from 01 January 2023 can be found in our technical data sheet on "Dioxins and PCBs in food products: Maximum levels and action levels".
Outlook: Re-evaluation of toxicity equivalent factors (WHO-TEFs)
EFSA also recommended a reassessment of the currently existing toxicity equivalent factors (WHO-TEFs) in its 2018 scientific opinion. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently conducting a review of the 2005 WHO-TEF values. This is scheduled to be completed in 2023. A re-evaluation of the EU maximum levels following the work of the WHO is possible.
Do you have any questions?
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