New limit values for food apply in the EU

After lead now cadmium

01-Sep-2021 - Belgium

As part of the European plan to combat cancer, new limits for cadmium
in certain foods came into force this Tuesday. Stricter or additional maximum levels apply, for example, to several types of fruit, vegetables and cereals as well as oilseeds. In future, for example, a maximum content of only 0.15 instead of 0.2 milligrams per kilogram will be permitted in rice. For citrus fruits, pome fruits, stone fruits and bananas, for example, the limit has been lowered from 0.05 to 0.02 milligrams per kilogram.

The background to the new limits for the toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal cadmium is data collected on its occurrence following the implementation of risk reduction measures recommended in 2014. According to the responsible EU Commission, these show that it is possible to reduce the cadmium content in many foods.

The heavy metal enters the environment in particular through combustion processes or as a component of sewage sludge. In addition, it can also be introduced into the soil through phosphate fertilisation. Already
on Monday new limit values for lead in food had come into force.

The European plan to combat cancer was presented in February and provides for several other measures in addition to new limit values. They include, for example, an EU cancer screening programme and an EU-wide network of cancer centres. "In 2020, 2.7 million people in the EU were diagnosed with cancer. Another 1.3 million people died from the disease, including more than 2,000 young people," the EU Commission says, explaining the four-billion-euro project. If no decisive action is taken, there will even be around 24 percent more cases of cancer by 2035./aha/DP/zb (dpa)

Bild von Couleur auf Pixabay

Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.

Other news from the department business & finance

Most read news

More news from our other portals

Last viewed contents

Nomad Foods to Acquire Findus Switzerland - Acquisition unifies the Findus brand and expands Nomad Foods’ reach into an attractive frozen food market

Nomad Foods to Acquire Findus Switzerland - Acquisition unifies the Findus brand and expands Nomad Foods’ reach into an attractive frozen food market

Global Vegan Ice Cream Market Report 2022 - Market is Poised to Grow by $1.55 Billion During 2022-2026 - Rise of Private Label Brands and Rising Popularity Among Millennials

Global Vegan Ice Cream Market Report 2022 - Market is Poised to Grow by $1.55 Billion During 2022-2026 - Rise of Private Label Brands and Rising Popularity Among Millennials

Paper-based packaging has a good eco-image - Study by the University of Bonn examines how the type of packaging influences purchase intention

Paper-based packaging has a good eco-image - Study by the University of Bonn examines how the type of packaging influences purchase intention

Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH - Waldbronn, Germany

Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH - Waldbronn, Germany

Japan develops bananas with an edible peel

Japan develops bananas with an edible peel

ADM to Acquire Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes - Addition significantly expands ADM’s wide array of innovative, groundbreaking products and solutions to help meet $775 billion global demand in health & wellness

ADM to Acquire Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes - Addition significantly expands ADM’s wide array of innovative, groundbreaking products and solutions to help meet $775 billion global demand in health & wellness

Oktoberfest cancelled due to Corona crisis - Already in the 19th century the Wiesn was closed down because of an epidemic

Oktoberfest cancelled due to Corona crisis - Already in the 19th century the Wiesn was closed down because of an epidemic

Purple tomatoes thanks to red beet pigment

Purple tomatoes thanks to red beet pigment

Why heart patients should avoid cream cake - Study examines the influence of rumensic acid on heart muscle fibers

Why heart patients should avoid cream cake - Study examines the influence of rumensic acid on heart muscle fibers

Green light from the antitrust authorities - Rügenwalder Mühle allows the family holding Pfeifer & Langen to acquire a majority stake

Green light from the antitrust authorities - Rügenwalder Mühle allows the family holding Pfeifer & Langen to acquire a majority stake

Fresh herbs from factory halls and bunkers

Fresh herbs from factory halls and bunkers

Plant-Based Proteins May Lead to Allergies - Scientists find that allergies to soy and peanuts can be activated by common meat-free alternatives based on other legumes, but most people won’t experience a reaction

Plant-Based Proteins May Lead to Allergies - Scientists find that allergies to soy and peanuts can be activated by common meat-free alternatives based on other legumes, but most people won’t experience a reaction