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16.08.2023 - Foods

Risk assessment of EFSA on BAC, DDAC, and chlorate levels in fish and fish products

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a risk assessment of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) Benzalkonium Chlorides (BAC) and Didecyldimethylammonium Chlorides (DDAC), as well as chlorate levels in fish and fisheries products this May.

Both QACs and chlorates are frequently found in disinfectants. Although these active substances are not necessarily classified as conventional plant protection products, specific maximum residue levels for BAC, DDAC, and chlorates have been defined according to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on maximum levels of pesticide residues in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin – however, only for plant-based foods so far. Since fish and fish products are more frequently contaminated with these substances, EFSA conducted a risk assessment for this product group:

Based on the collected data and the results of the exposure calculations, EFSA found no concerns regarding the possible long-term intake of BAC, DDAC, and chlorates in fish by consumers.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly carry out testing for BAC/DDAC and chlorate. We provide fast and reliable results. Our customer advisors are very happy to assist you with any questions.

Sources:

· https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8019

· https://mobil.bfr.bund.de/cm/343/gesundheitliche-bewertung-der-rueckstaende-von-benzalkoniumchlorid-in-lebensmitteln.pdf

· https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/343/gesundheitliche-bewertung-der-rueckstaende-von-didecyldimethylammoniumchlorid-ddac-in-lebensmitteln.pdf

· http://publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/a7d9f369-eaa7-11ed-a05c-01aa75ed71a1.0009.03/DOC_1