(1)

Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (2) sets maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs.

(2)

Furan and alkylfurans, which include methylfurans such as 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran, are process contaminants that are formed in foods during thermal processing.

(3)

In 2017, the Scientific Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (‘the CONTAM Panel’) of the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) adopted a scientific opinion on the risks that the presence of furan and methylfurans in food poses to public health (3). In its opinion the CONTAM Panel concluded that the current levels of exposure to furan indicate a health concern. As for methylfurans, it concluded that they may add significantly to the overall exposure to furan and alkylfurans and that, therefore, they are of increased health concern. However, as data are lacking on the presence of methylfurans in food, the CONTAM Panel recommended collecting additional data in this area.

(4)

In 2022, the Commission adopted a Recommendation (4) for the monitoring by Member States, in collaboration with food business operators, of furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran in food, in particular in coffee, jarred baby food (including baby food in containers, tubes and pouches), ready-to-eat soups, potato-based crisps, fruit juices, breakfast cereals, biscuits, crackers and crispbread.

(5)

In 2024, there were several notifications in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) on the presence of certain levels of furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran in baby food that are of health concern.

(6)

Taking into account the conclusions of the scientific opinion of the CONTAM Panel, the availability of the occurrence data and the RASFF notifications, it is appropriate to establish maximum levels for the presence of furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran in processed cereal-based food for infants and young children and in baby food.

(7)

Regulation (EU) 2023/915 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(8)

To enable economic operators to prepare for the new rules in processed cereal-based food for infants and young children and in baby food, it is appropriate to provide for a reasonable time until the new rules start to apply. It is also appropriate to provide for a transitional period in regard to food containing furan, 2-methylfuran or 3-methylfuran, which is lawfully placed on the market before the date of application of this Regulation.

(9)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

(1)

Article 10(1) is amended as follows:

(2)

Annex I is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.