New regulations in force from start of March

The main changes are as follows:

• Dried, diluted, processed and compound foodstuffs: the specific concentration or dilution factors shall be provided and justified by the food business operator.
• Specific rules for products that can be used for feed and food or other purposes: groundnuts, products derived from groundnuts, and cereals, must be clearly labelled to indicate their intended use

There are also maximum levels of particular contaminants for certain foodstuffs.

Mycotoxins

• Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone – limits now apply to cereal bran marketed for direct human consumption and germ

Heavy metals
Lead:

• milk – extended from just cow's milk to cover all ruminant farm animals
• muscle meat of fish – all species now fall under one limit of 300 µg/kg instead of 200 or 400, according to species

Cadmium:

• liver and kidney – extended to include horse
• vegetables and fruit – pine nuts are excluded

Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs

• meat and meat products – farmed game now excluded
• liver and derived products, and fat – limit applies only to bovines, sheep, poultry, pigs

Commission Regulation 1882/2006 provides a focused regime for nitrate sampling and analysis in lettuce and spinach and will also ensure a harmonised approach across the European Union to nitrate sampling and analysis.

Commission Regulation 1883/2006 lays down the methods for sampling and analysis for the official control of dioxin and dioxin-like PCBs specified in the legislation. These measures apply primarily to enforcement authorities and aim to ensure a harmonised approach to enforcement across the EU. This will help to promote consistent and effective enforcement by reducing uncertainty or dispute in interpreting results against maximum levels.

The EC regulations and directives referred to above are published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Statutory Instruments are also available on the the Office of Public Sector Information link below. Copies of the Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2007 are available from:

The Stationery Office Ltd
The Publications Centre
PO Box 276
London SW8 5DT
Tel: 020 7873 9090
Fax: 0870 600 5533

For further information please contact:
Barry Walters
Food Standards Agency
Room 707C, Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London WC2B 6NH

Tel: 020 7276 8747
Fax: 020 7276 8717
Email: barry.walters@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk