Food News

Lead in fruit and vegetables – amendment of the EU-limit values announced

vegetables

Back in March 2014 the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (STALUT) began discussing the revision of the maximum limits for lead.

 

The new Ordinance is expected to be released in June this year.

 

The maximum limits for lead in fruit and vegetables will come into effect as of 01.01.2016 and will probably incorporate the following changes: 

Overview of the changes to the maximum levels of lead in fruit and vegetables

  • The limit value for fresh herbs will be deleted
  • Fruit-vegetables will be unintroduced as a new separate category with a maximum allowed limit of 0.1 mg/kg
  • The current maximum quantity of 0.3 mg/kg for collard greens and leaf vegetables will remain unchanged
  • The former category 'berries and small fruit' will be split. The maximum limit of 0.2 mg/kg will remain unchanged for cranberries, currants and bilberries, and will be reduced to 0.1 mg/kg for all other fruits in this group.

Knowing what's inside. Early checks for lead advised

Despite the suggested transition rulings, we would advise you to include the new maximum residues quantity requirements in your purchasing specifications and check compliance with these limits in in-house examinations, in particular after the end of the transition periods.

 

For more information and a quotation tailored to your specific needs, please contact the sales specialist responsible for your region. (See contact finder on the right-hand side)

 

 

*Source: DFVH Rundschreiben 02/2015