Here is a summary of the feedback on the discussions held on some contaminants:
- Perchlorate. Possible maximum levels for perchlorate in fruits and vegetables, tea, herbal and fruit infusions, infant formula, follow-on formula, processed cereal based food for infants and young children and babyfood were presented. A targeted stakeholder consultation on these possible maximum levels is foreseen.
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 884/2014 of 13 August 2014. The foreseen amendments to Regulation (EU) 884/2014 of 13 August 2014 imposing special conditions governing the import of certain feed and food from certain third countries due to contamination risk by aflatoxins were presented. The draft Regulation probably will be submitted to the Committee for opinion at the next meeting of the Committee. The foreseen amendments relate to:
- modification of competent authorities entitled to sign the health certificates (India, Ethiopia, Argentina, Brazil and Azerbaijan),
- modification of Article 1(3) as regards the exemption of 20 kg lots,
- changes of control frequencies (for dried figs from Turkey),
- transfer of certain entries currently in Regulation (EC) No 669/2009 (groundnuts from Bolivia, Gambia, Madagascar, Senegal and Sudan and watermelon seeds from Sierra Leone),
- update of CN codes.
- Ochratoxin A (OTA). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been requested to provide an updated exposure assessment taking into account recent occurrence data and the comprehensive food consumption database. The discussions as regards possible maximum levels of ochratoxin A in food not yet covered by EU legislation are for the time being suspended until the outcome of the EFSA’s assessment.
- Alternaria toxins. The possibility to set a guidance level for alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) and tenuazonic acid (TeA) in certain foods, combined with a monitoring recommendation (including also tentoxin) is being discussed. Foods considered for guidance levels are: processed tomato products, paprika powder, sunflower seeds, cereal based foods for infants and young children. Also for tenuazonic acid, it might be appropriate to consider a guidance level for millet grains, dried figs and (certain) tree nuts.
Summary Report of the Standing Committee. September 17, 2018 (Item A. 12)