Reducing the presence of acrylamide in food

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 — mitigation measures and benchmark levels for the reduction of the presence of acrylamide in food

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?

It aims to reduce the level of acrylamide* in food.

It does so by requiring manufacturers, fast-food chains and restaurants, collectively known as food business operators, to follow certain procedures.

These ‘mitigation measures’ are designed to ensure acrylamide levels for different foods are below the indicative benchmarks set out in the legislation.

KEY POINTS

The procedures:

• are based on current scientific and technical knowledge;
• vary depending on the size of the food operator — they are more onerous for large-scale businesses.

Food business operators must:

• apply the mitigation measures set out in the regulation’s annexes;
• sample and analyse the food they produce;
• consider whether changes to their production processes are necessary.

The measures apply to:

• selection, storage and transport of raw ingredients;
• recipes and design processes;
• information to the public.

The products covered by the legislation are:

• French fries, other cut deep-fried products, and sliced potato crisps from fresh potatoes;
• potato crisps, snacks, crackers and other potato products from potato dough;
• bread;
• fine bakery items such as cookies, biscuits, rusks, cereal bars, scones, cornets, wafers, crumpets, gingerbread, crackers and crisp breads;
• coffee (roast and instant) and coffee substitutes;
• baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children.

The European Commission will:

• consider setting maximum acrylamide levels for certain foods;
• review the benchmark levels in the regulation every 3 years. The first time will be in 2021.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It applies from 11 April 2018.

BACKGROUND

Acrylamide is a carcinogenic substance that forms naturally when food, especially potato- or cereal-based products, coffee and coffee substitutes, is fried, roasted or baked at temperatures above 120°C.

The European Food Safety Authority confirmed in 2015 that acrylamide potentially increases the risk of developing cancer.

The regulation is in line with the principle established in Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on hygiene of foodstuff that the food we eat must meet high levels of consumer protection.

For more information see:

• Acrylamide: vote in favour of Commission's proposal to reduce presence in food — press release (European Commission)
• Acrylamide (European Food Safety Authority).

KEY TERMS

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 of 20 November 2017 establishing mitigation measures and benchmark levels for the reduction of the presence of acrylamide in food (OJ L 304, 21.11.2017, pp. 24-44)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Commission Recommendation 2013/647/EU of 8 November 2013 on investigations into the levels of acrylamide in food (OJ L 301, 12.11.2013, pp. 15-17)

Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs (OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, pp. 1-54). Text republished in corrigendum (OJ L 226, 25.6.2004, pp. 3-21)

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, pp. 1-24)

See consolidated version.

last update 11.07.2018