Commercial Information Circulars
24-hour hotline : 23 922 922Ref : S/F to EIC 230/2/12
28 March 2001
Dear Sirs,
Commercial Information Circular No. 72/01
European Union (EU)*: Regulation Setting Maximum Levels
for Certain Contaminants in Foodstuffs
The European Commission has adopted a Regulation setting the maximum levels for certain contaminants allowed in foodstuffs. Details are set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 466/2001, a copy of which is appended (pdf format ) to this Circular for reference.
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The adopted Regulation aims to protect public health and harmonize the laws of the Member States controlling the maximum levels for contaminants in certain foodstuffs. Annex I of the Regulation specifies the maximum levels of contaminants, viz. nitrates, mycotoxins, heavy metals (lead, cadmium and mercury) and 3-monochloropropane-1, 2-diol (3-MCPD) allowed in foodstuffs such as vegetables, groundnuts and dried fruit, cereals, milk, meat, fish and soy sauce. The specified maximum levels shall apply to the edible part of the foodstuffs mentioned.
- The Regulation will enter into force on 5 April 2001 and the maximum levels will apply one year later, i.e. with effect from 5 April 2002. The maximum levels set on the relevant heavy metals and 3-MCPD shall not apply to products which have been lawfully placed on the Community market before 5 April 2002.
ENQUIRIES
- For enquiries about the contents of this Circular, please contact the undersigned at telephone number 2398 5351.
Yours faithfully,
(Thomas CHEUNG)
for Director-General of Trade and Industry
* : The EU Member States are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Note : While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, the Department cannot guarantee this to be so and will not be held liable for any reliance placed on the same.