Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food: Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006

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Dec 23, 2020 - Foods

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food: Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006

The European Union publishes amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 with maximum levels for pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food.

The maximum levels affect plant-based foods such as tea, dietary supplements with herbal ingredients, and dried herbs and are based on an assessment by the scientific panel on contaminants in the food chain (CONTAM) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The amendments to the European Contaminants Regulation 1881/2006 will come into effect on July 1, 2022.

Examples of maximum levels include:

-          Cumin: 400 µg/kg

-          Borage, lovage, marjoram, oregano (dried): 1000 µg/kg

-          Borage leaves marketed for the end consumer: 750 µg/kg

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for pyrrolizidine alkaloids. We provide fast and reliable results.

Our customer advisors are available for any questions you may have.

Source: European Contaminants Regulation 1881/2006, eur-lex.europa.eu