November 2007 update on chemical contaminants

• update on the approval of the pre-export checks carried out by the United States of America
• update on the amendment to Commission Decision 2006/504 to include peanuts and products from Brazil
• publication of Commission Decision 2007/563 amending Commission Decision 2006/504 on the import of almonds from the US
• update on Article 15(5) of Commission Regulation 882/2004 which makes provision for a list of ‘high risk’ foods
• update on maximum levels for ochratoxin A in various foodstuffs and T2/HT2 in cereals and cereal products
• request for data on fusarium toxins in the 2007 harvest

• update on the risk-benefit evaluation on nitrates currently being undertaken by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

• update on the EFSA opinion regarding ethyl carbamate in alcoholic beverages

• update on revision of limits for cadmium in fish and shellfish
• update on the setting of limits for lead and cadmium in food supplements, algal products, herbs, spices, beverages
• update on EFSA opinions on lead and cadmium
• update on concentration factors and limits for heavy metals in processed products

• update on the setting of limits for PAHs in food supplements and various foodstuffs
• updates on the review of the existing limit for dioxins in liver, possible setting of limit for dioxins and PCBs in fish liver and harmonisation of limits for non-dioxin-like PCBs in various foodstuffs