Recast of EC regulation 1881/2006 on contaminants

Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and its numerous amendments set maximum levels for the following contaminants in foodstuffs:

1. Mycotoxins: Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A (OTA), Patulin, Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone (ZEA), Fumonisins (FUMO), Citrinin, Ergot alkaloids.
2. Plant toxins: Erucic acid, Hydrocyanic acid, Tropanic alkaloids, Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Opioid alkaloids, THC.
3. Metals and other elements : Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, inorganic tin.
4. Halogenated persistent organic pollutants: Dioxins and PCBs, Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS).
5. Contaminants linked to transformation processes: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 3-MCPD and glycidol fatty acid esters.
6. Other contaminants : Nitrates, Melamine, Perchlorate.

This regulation has undergone major changes in recent years, so the European Commission has decided to repeal it and replace it with EU regulation 2023/915.

Here are the changes brought about by this recast:

• Cadmium: extension of the current exemption for malt to all cereals used in the production of beer or distillates.
• Most of the cadmium remains in these residues, so the cadmium content of beer is very low.
• PAH: exclusion of instant/soluble coffee from the maximum level for food powders of plant origin for the preparation of beverages.
• According to the analytical data available, a negligible quantity of PAHs is found in these matrices.
• Melamine: addition of a maximum level for liquid infant formula.
• The Codex Alimentarius has adopted a maximum level for liquid infant formula, which the EU has accepted.
• The rules have been made easier to read: there are fewer footnotes, and a “note” column is now included after the maximum levels.
• Increased references in footnote (1) referring to Annex I of Regulation 396/2005. Only fruit, vegetables and cereals were listed; nuts, oilseeds and spices have been added.

The maximum levels have not been changed.

This regulation will apply from 25/05/2023.

Please note that your Phytocontrol laboratory offers analysis of these contaminants under COFRAC accreditation. You can consult our COFRAC technical appendix N°1-1904 available in your customer area or on the COFRAC website.

Need technical, regulatory or pricing information? Our customer service is available from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday on +33 800 900 775 or service-clients@phytocontrol.com.