New maximum levels for the additives nitrites (E 249-250) and nitrates (E 251-252) in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

Go back

Dec 6, 2023 - Foods

New maximum levels for the additives nitrites (E 249-250) and nitrates (E 251-252) in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

On October 6, 2023, the Amendment Regulation (EU) 2023/2108 regarding food additives nitrites (E 249-250) and nitrates (E 251-252) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The changes affect Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives as well as the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 on specifications for food additives.

Following a re-evaluation of nitrites and nitrates as food additives and the assessment of carcinogenic nitrosamines in foods by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the maximum levels for nitrites and nitrates in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 have been significantly reduced. This aims to reduce exposure to nitrites and nitrosamines through their use as food additives without compromising the microbiological safety of food and to ensure adequate shelf life of meat products.

Furthermore, the specifications of the mentioned additives in Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 will be adjusted.

The Amendment Regulation (EU) 2023/2108 came into force on October 29, 2023. The transitional periods are laid down in Article 3 of the regulation. 

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for nitrite and nitrate in food. We provide you with fast and reliable results.

For questions, our customer advisors are very happy to assist you.

Sources: 

Lebensmittelverband Deutschland - https://www.lebensmittelverband.de 

Link to the Amendment Regulation (EU) 2023/2108: https://eur-lex.europa.eu