New EU regulation on maximum levels for Chlorate and Perchlorate in food published

Update on the evaluation of chlorate and perchlorate as undesirable substances in foodstuff

May 2023 (update). In the last weeks, new regulations for residues of perchlorate and chlorate in foodstuff have been published and will enter into force as from end of June (chlorate) resp. 1^st of July (perchlorate). For many years, the evaluation for chlorate was done in a case by case analysis and for perchlorate only reference values were stipulated.

Residues of perchlorate and chlorate can often be detected in a wide range of concentrations in foodstuff. Both substances are chlorine compounds that are undesirable in food due to their toxicological relevance. For perchlorate, mainly fruits, vegetables, tea, herbal infusions and infant food are affected. Chlorate, however, is found in the whole range of food but especially in processed food. This is due to the fact that chlorate is a common byproduct of many frequently used chlorine-based disinfectants.

You can view the respective regulations here:

• Chlorate: COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2020/749 of 4 June 2020 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for chlorate in or on certain products
• Perchlorate: COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food

How we assist you in handling the new maximum levels

The Eurofins laboratories for food and feed testing in Germany offer tests for all types of food with a single method for chlorate/perchlorate using LC-MS/MS.

Check whether you have already included chlorate and perchlorate in your QS monitoring plan. If not, we recommend having your products analysed by us on a representative sample basis to get an impression of the current residue situation.

Please contact your analytical service manager or our expert Johannes Jaschik to receive your individual offer.