(EC) Directive 1881/2006 Maximum Levels for Certain Contaminants in Foodstuffs

Directive (EC) 1881/2006 published by the European Parliament and Council contains maximum levels for certain pollutants in foodstuffs.

The foodstuffs listed in the annex of this directive cannot be placed on the market if they contain a pollutant identified at a level exceeding the maximum level specified in the annex. Unless otherwise stated in this annex, the maximum levels indicated apply to the edible parts of the relevant foodstuffs.

The following criteria are taken into account when applying the maximum levels specified in the annex to dried, diluted, processed or multi-component foodstuffs:

• Changes in pollutant concentration from drying or dilution processes
• Changes in pollutant concentration from processing
• Relative proportions of ingredients in the product
• analytical quantitative limit

Special concentration or dilution factors for drying, dilution, processing or mixing processes or for dried, diluted, processed or compound foodstuffs must be provided by the food business operator during official controls.

If the food business operator does not provide the required concentration or dilution factor, or if the competent authority does not consider this factor appropriate according to the justification given, the competent authority defines this factor itself based on the available information and for the maximum protection of human health.

These guidelines apply unless a specific maximum level is set by the European Union for dried, diluted, processed or compound foodstuffs. European Union countries may provide stricter levels, unless European Union regulations provide for specific maximum levels for infant and young child foods.

Limitations on use, mixing and detoxification are as follows:

• Foodstuffs that do not comply with the maximum levels specified in the annex are not used as food additives.
• Foodstuffs that comply with the maximum levels specified in the annex cannot be mixed with foodstuffs exceeding these maximum levels.
• Foodstuffs to be subjected to segregation or other physical treatment to reduce contamination levels may not be mixed with foodstuffs intended for direct human consumption or foodstuffs intended to be used as food ingredients.
• Foodstuffs containing the contaminants (mycotoxins) listed in the Appendix are not intentionally detoxified by chemical treatments.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services within the scope of the maximum levels directive for certain pollutants in foodstuffs (EC) 1881/2006, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.