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29.11.2017 - Analytics
Regulation of Acrylamide in Food – Publication of Regulation (EU) 2017/2158
Acrylamide is an undesirable process contaminant that can be formed as a by-product, for example, when roasting, frying, baking, or deep-frying coffee beans, grains, or potatoes from the natural amino acid asparagine and reducing sugars. A complete avoidance of acrylamide when heating these foods above 120°C seems excluded.
Due to findings from animal studies, acrylamide is suspected of having a carcinogenic effect on humans. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also reached this conclusion in its 2015 opinion. According to the ALARA principle, acrylamide levels in foods should therefore be as low as reasonably achievable. To achieve this, food business operators are so far aiming for a significant reduction in acrylamide content in foods using a dynamic minimization concept.
There are no legal maximum levels for acrylamide. To regulate acrylamide in foods, however, Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 was published on November 20. The regulation addresses minimization measures to food business operators and also includes benchmark levels for acrylamide content in certain products. Based on these benchmark levels, it is possible to verify the effectiveness of the described minimization measures. Furthermore, the regulation defines requirements for sampling and analytical performance criteria.
Mandatory minimization measures have been established for the following food groups:
- French fries and similar products with a benchmark level of 500 µg/kg
- Potato chips, snacks, crackers, and comparable products based on potatoes with a benchmark level of 750 µg/kg
- Bread depending on the product with benchmark levels between 50-100 µg/kg
- Breakfast cereals except porridge depending on the product with benchmark levels between 150-300 µg/kg
- Fine bakery wares depending on the product with benchmark levels between 300-800 µg/kg
- Coffee depending on the product with benchmark levels between 400-850 µg/kg
- Coffee substitutes depending on the product with benchmark levels between 500-4000 µg/kg
- Cereal-based foods and other baby foods for infants and young children depending on the product with benchmark levels between 40-150 µg/kg
By applying minimization measures, acrylamide levels below these benchmark levels should be achieved. The EU does not provide sanctioning if the benchmark levels are exceeded, but elevated levels indicate the necessity to review the effectiveness of the applied minimization measures.
The regulation will come into effect on December 11, 2017, and will apply from April 11, 2018. A further guidance document is expected in spring 2018.
The investigation of acrylamide in foods is a routine part of our services. We provide you with fast and reliable results. Our customer service representatives are available to answer any questions you may have.