2007, Volume XI, Issue 1REGULATORY NEWSEuropean Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1881/2006 of December 19, 2006, which replaces EC Regulation no. 466/2001 and its subsequent amendments, sets maximum levels for certain mycotoxins and other contaminants in foodstuffs. In addition to reiterating the general principles that should be followed to protect public health, the new regulation focuses particular attention on reducing mycotoxin exposure in vulnerable populations, such as infants and young children, by setting strict maximum limits in raw materials used in relevant foods. The specific limits outlined included maximum levels for DON and ZEA of 750 μg/kg and 75 μg/kg, respectively, in bran and germ marketed for direct human consumption, effective from March 1, 2007. Maximum limits for ZEA and DON in maize will go into effect on July 1, 2007; limits on fumonisins (B1+ B2) in maize will be implemented on October 1, 2007. Among the additional maximum limits set by the new regulation are 200 μg/kg of ZEA in processed maize, maize intended for direct human consumption, maize flour, meal, grits, germ, semolina and refined maize oil; 50 μg/kg in maize snacks and maize-based breakfast cereals; and 20 μg/kg in processed maize-based foods for infants and young children. For DON in unprocessed maize, a limit of 1, 750 μg/kg is foreseen. Limits for fumonisins (B1+B2) include 2, 000 μg/kg in unprocessed maize; 1,000 μg/kg in maize flour, grits, germ, semolina, and refined maize oil; 400 μg/kg in maize-based foods for direct human consumption; and 200 μg/kg in processed maize-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children. In the context of the regulations, the term“unprocessed cereals”refer to cereals placed on the market for first-stage processing (i.e., for any physical or chemical treatment of or on the grain other than drying, cleaning, or sorting). A group of Commission experts is currently discussing possible changes to the limits in maize-based products as new data become available. Full text of the new regulation is available in the Official Journal of the European Union L 364/5 of December 20, 2006. |