Methods of sampling and analysis for the control of levels of certain contaminants in foodstuffs

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EU) 2017/644 laying down methods of sampling and analysis for the control of levels of dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and non-dioxin-like PCBs in certain foodstuffs

Regulation (EU) 2015/705 laying down methods of sampling and performance criteria for the methods of analysis for the official control of the levels of erucic acid in foodstuffs

Regulation (EC) No 333/2007 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the control of the levels of trace elements and processing contaminants in foodstuffs

Regulation (EC) No 401/2006 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of the levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATIONS?

They set out methods of sampling and analysis to check on the levels of contaminants in food.

KEY POINTS

Contaminants are substances present in food as a result of the various stages of its production, packaging, transport and storage, or from the environment. Since contamination generally has a negative impact on the quality of food and implies a risk to human health, the European Union (EU) has taken measures to minimise contaminants in food. Maximum levels are set for the food contaminants of greatest concern to EU consumers.
The 4 regulations refer to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official controls whose Article 11(4) sets out methods of sampling and analysis. This regulation has since been repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (see summary), Article 34 of which sets out sampling and analysis methods.

Regulation (EU) 2017/644

Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds are persistent environmental pollutants, mostly minor by-products of burning or industrial processes. PCBs were used when making electrical equipment, inks, adhesives, flame-retardants and paints. They are very persistent and very soluble in fat, which explains why PCBs are still present and can build up in animal fat and along the food chain.

Section 5 of the annex to Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 sets out the maximum allowable levels (see summary).
Sampling methods are described in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2017/644.
Sample preparation and analysis is carried out using the methods and applying the performance criteria in Annexes III and IV to Regulation (EU) 2017/644.
Regulation (EU) No 589/2014 is repealed and any reference to it now relates to Regulation (EU) 2017/644.

Regulation (EU) 2015/705

Erucic acid is a normal constituent of certain seed oils which has been shown to have detrimental effects on health if consumed in large quantities.

Section 8 of the annex to Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 sets out the maximum allowable levels.
Sampling and analysis are carried out using methods and applying the performance criteria described in the annex to Regulation (EU) 2015/705.
Directive 80/891/EEC is repealed and any reference to it now relates to Regulation (EU) 2015/705.

Regulation (EC) No 333/2007

Regulation (EC) No 333/2007 lays down the methods of sampling and analysis of trace elements and processing contaminant levels in foodstuffs.

Trace elements and processing contaminants may be present in food as the result of environmental contamination or migration from packaging and can also enter the food chain in processing, and may accumulate in human tissue.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and perchlorate are present in food as the result of environmental contamination or migration from packaging and can also enter the food chain via processing.
Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and perchlorate are mainly present in food as the result of environmental contamination and industrial processes, but may also enter food via certain types of food contact materials. Tin is present in canned foods by migration of tin from the can into the food.
3-MCPD fatty acid esters and glycidyl fatty acid esters are found in refined vegetable oils, and in food containing these oils, as a result of the refining process of the oils.
Acrylamide is formed in carbohydrate-rich foods during baking, roasting, grilling, frying and broiling. Benzo(a)pyrene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons result from incomplete combustion of organic matter and is found in many foods, especially grilled meats.
Sections 3, 4,6 and 9 of the annex to Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 set out the maximum allowable levels.
Sampling and analysis are carried out using methods described in the annex to Regulation (EC) No 333/2007.
Recognising the high sample cost for food supplements, dried spices or herbs, dried fungi, algae or lichen, which have high cost per unit weight, an implementing act, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/705 amends Regulation (EC) No 333/2007, setting specific sampling methods for these commodities. It applies since 19 May 2021.
As of 15 December 2022, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/685 amends the annex to Regulation (EC) No 333/2007 as regards the sampling requirements for fish and terrestrial animals.
Directives 2001/22/EC, 2004/16/EC and 2005/10/EC are repealed and any references to them now relate to Regulation (EC) No 333/2007.

Regulation (EC) No 401/2006

Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi potentially contaminating food and feed at all stages of the food supply chain. Certain mycotoxins can have carcinogenic effects on the liver and kidneys.

Section 2 of the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 sets out maximum allowable levels of certain mycotoxins in certain foodstuffs.
Sampling methods are described in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 401/2006.
Sample preparation and analysis is carried out using the methods and applying the performance criteria in Annexes III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 401/2006.
Directives 98/53/EC, 2002/26/EC, 2003/78/EC and 2005/38/EC are repealed and any references to them now relate to Regulation (EC) No 401/2006.

FROM WHEN DO THE REGULATIONS APPLY?

Regulation (EU) 2017/644 (dioxins and PCBs) has applied since 26 April 2017.
Regulation (EU) 2015/705 (erucic acid) has applied since 21 May 2015.
Regulation (EC) No 333/2007 (trace elements and processing contaminants) has applied since 1 June 2007.
Regulation (EC) No 401/2006 (mycotoxins) has applied since 1 July 2006.

BACKGROUND

For further information, see:

Sampling and Analysis (European Commission)
Reference Laboratories and Centres (European Commission)
Contaminants (European Commission)
Food contaminants – factsheet (European Commission).

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/644 of 5 April 2017 laying down methods of sampling and analysis for the control of levels of dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and non-dioxin-like PCBs in certain foodstuffs and repealing Regulation (EU) No 589/2014 (OJ L 92, 6.4.2017, pp. 9–34).

Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/705 of 30 April 2015 laying down methods of sampling and performance criteria for the methods of analysis for the official control of the levels of erucic acid in foodstuffs and repealing Commission Directive 80/891/EEC (OJ L 113, 1.5.2015, pp. 29–37).

Commission Regulation (EC) No 333/2007 of 28 March 2007 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of the levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, inorganic tin, 3-MCPD and benzo(a)pyrene in foodstuffs (OJ L 88, 29.3.2007, pp. 29–38).

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 333/2007 have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006 of 23 February 2006 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of the levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs (OJ L 70, 9.3.2006, pp. 12–34).

See consolidated version.